NTSB -- NTSB OPENS PUBLIC DOCKET ON 2010 AMERICAN AIRLINES FUSELAGE RUPTURE AND DECOMPRESSION

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NTSB PRESS RELEASE

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National Transportation Safety Board

Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 19, 2011

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NTSB OPENS PUBLIC DOCKET ON 2010 AMERICAN AIRLINES FUSELAGE

RUPTURE AND DECOMPRESSION

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WASHINGTON - As part of the continuing investigation into

the 2010 rapid decompression that occurred following a

fuselage rupture aboard an American Airlines flight shortly

after departing Miami, Florida, today the National

Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened its public docket.

On October 26, 2010, American Airlines flight 1640, a Boeing

757-223, while climbing through 32,000 feet, experienced a

rapid decompression. The crew executed an emergency descent

back to Miami International Airport and landed the aircraft

without further incident. There were no injuries to the 6

crewmembers and 154 passengers.

A ground inspection of the airplane shortly after it landed

in Miami revealed a section of the fuselage crown skin,

measuring approximately 18 inches by 7 inches, had ruptured

just above and aft of the forward left passenger door.

Included in the documents released today are a summary of

the cockpit voice recorder and reports from the metallurgy

and airworthiness groups.

The information contained in the docket is factual in nature

and does not provide any analysis.

Additional material will be added to the docket as it

becomes available. Analysis of the accident, along with

conclusions and a determination of probable cause, will come

at a later date when the final report on the investigation

is completed.

This is a document release only; no interviews will be

conducted. The public docket can be found on the NTSB's website

at: http://go.usa.gov/kDf.

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NTSB Contact:

Terry N. Williams

williat@xxxxxxxx

(202) 314-6100

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