96. The Near-Disaster of Aloha Airlines Flight 243
Year: 1988
Location: Hawaii, Between Hilo and Honolulu
Company: Aloha Airlines
Estimated Damage Value: $5.2 million*
In 1988, a Boeing 737-297 on Aloha Airlines Flight 243 from Hilo to Honolulu, Hawaii, suffered explosive decompression due to maintenance oversights and metal fatigue. Remarkably, of the 95 aboard, all but one survived the incident, preventing a potential catastrophe and resulting in $5.2 million in damages.
Tragically, flight attendant Clarabelle Lansing lost her life, being ejected due to the decompression. Despite this, the skilled actions of Captain Bob Schornstheimer and First Officer Mimi Tompkins ensured the safe landing of the damaged aircraft, though 65 others sustained injuries.