Qantas Fuselage Hole

On July 25, 2008, a Qantas jet traveling from London to Melbourne, Australia, had to divert and make an emergency landing in Manila, The Philippines, after an explosion reportedly ripped a hole 7-1/2 to 9 feet in diameter in the fuselage.CNN: Experts Think Oxygen Bottle Ripped Hole in Jet (July 27, 2008) Authorities believe the explosion was due to an exploding oxygen cylinder.CNN: Experts Think Oxygen Bottle Ripped Hole in Jet (July 27, 2008)

While officials are unsure as to what caused the hole, initial reports suggest it was not the result of terrorism. After the explosion occurred and the plane began to depressurize, the pilot descended to under 12,000 feet in order to repressurize the cabin. In the explosion, part of the floor of the cabin reportedly gave way.The Associated Press: Qantas Jet Lands with Gaping Hole in Fuselage (July 25, 2008)

Investigators believe that the mid-air explosion was caused by an exploding oxygen cylinder. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia ordered Qantas airline to check oxygen containers and the brackets that hold them, on each of the 30 aircrafts in their fleet.CNN: Experts Think Oxygen Bottle Ripped Hole in Jet (July 27, 2008)