FBI Probes Punctures Found in 2 Airliners

[emad]

The Guardian
Wednesday October 20, 2004 4:01 PM


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The FBI is investigating whether someone intentionally punched small holes in the bellies of two US Airways airliners.

No passengers were aboard the planes, which were temporarily grounded for repairs Monday at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Airline officials described the holes as similar to those made by a screwdriver, characterizing them as minor exterior damage.

Investigators said the punctures were discovered during routine inspections and resembled damage recently found on another US Airways jet in Florida. They said the punctures were unlikely to be caused by normal wear and tear.

``Anything that has the potential of damaging the structural integrity of an airplane, we're concerned about,'' said Kevin Kendrick, FBI special agent in charge for North Carolina.

More
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4563877,00.html

[acmavm]

1. Another Homeland Security failure? Nice job of guarding the airports

george & john.

[ewagner]

2. Small puncture holes?

that could be enough to cause decompression at altitude....somebody knew what they were doing...

Also this was in The Guardian and no stateside papers?

[emad]

3. Associated Press story. Haven't seen it picked up elsewhere but

may be in Reuters.com

[slackmaster]

5. Airplanes are far from air-tight

Airplanes leak air. There's no way a couple of small punctures like those described would make any difference in pressurization. I think the concern is the holes could potentially threaten the structural integrity of the plane.

[BiggJawn]

4. "Punch holes" or popped rivets?

With all the "cost cutting" airlines are doing, I wouldn't be surprised if they're using minimum-wage ramp help who wouldn't know a screwdriver if you shoved one up their asses...

Pat Robertson says something about Dim Son that Karl finds "troubling", and Tommy Timbertoes goes "HAY! Over HERE! Holes PUNCHED in the belly of AIRLINERS!!!!"

They're so predicitable, these Bushies...If this Robertson "thing" gets any more traction, look for Calico Johnny to come out and declare that they've arrested 10 brown-skin bearded dudes who don't speak English in connexion with the case....

[napi21]

6. Could this be anger over mandatory 28% pay cut?

Just a thought. There has to be a lot of very angry employees at US Airways because that mandatory paycut. If these punctures hae only been identified on that airline, it does make me wonder a bit.

[tedzbear]

9. Most likely!

And over the layoffs too.

[neomonkey]

7. Now we know why Karl Rove likes sitting under airplanes...

[AndyTiedye]

8. Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

Please! Please!!