A Hainan Airlines 737 suffered a cracked windshield during takeoff yesterday from Sanya on a flight to Beijing. The crew were forced to return to Sanya and landed safely 40 minutes after departure. Let's find out more.

The incident

The incident occurred onboard Hainan Airlines flight 7380, flying from Sanya (in the Hainan Province) to Beijing Capital International Airport. The flight was operated by a 9-year-old 737-800, delivered to Hainan Airlines in April 2011, according to Planespotters.

Upon departure from Sanya, the flight began its climb and reached 8,000 feet. At this level, the pilots noticed a crack developing on the right windshield, prompting them to stop the climb at 8,100 feet. The plane then returned to Sanya airport safely, with no injuries or further damage to the aircraft.

Risks of a cracked windshield

Aircraft windows are made to withstand a high level of pressure and stress, caused by hundreds of flight hours. To make these windshields safe, manufacturers install two layers of thick glass as a failsafe in case any of the layers cracks. A completely shattered windshield can result in rapid depressurization of the cabin, requiring the flight crew to descend to ensure passengers can continue to breathe.

In an interview with USA Today, flight safety expert Captain John Cox says that cracks on the outer pane of the windshield can occur during takeoff and are usually caused by heating issues. These cracks are spiderwebbed and continue to crack, making it important to reduce altitude and quickly landed.

While does it is possible that the Hainan Airlines flight suffered such a spiderweb crack, we will have to wait for an official investigation into the cause of the incident. It seems that pilots did act in accordance with procedure, by landing the plane safely. The lower altitude of the plane also meant a lower risk for the aircraft.

Hainan Airlines continues to fly

Hainan Airlines has had a tumultuous few years. The owner of Hainan Airlines, the HNA Group, also owns Hong Kong Airlines. The airlines have faced financial hardship in the last two years, forcing it to reduce its fleet and cut inflight service. Due to the coronavirus downturn, the airline's parent was forced to seek government assistance earlier this year, putting the future of the airline in doubt. For now, it seems the airline will continue to operate but this could change.

The Boeing 737-800, also the plane involved in the incident, forms the backbone of the Hainan Airlines fleet. The plane is deployed on many domestic routes, especially high-frequency ones. Hainan currently operates 137 of this type, with orders for the grounded 737 MAX as well.

What are your thoughts on the incident? Will Hainan Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines continue to fly? Let us know in the comments below.