pressurised aircraft cabins

[Barney's pal]

If a plane crashed into the sea, bearing in mind the inside of the plane is pressurised. Assuming none of the windows broke on impact, how long before water gets into the cabin?

[rojash]

The pressure in the cabin at cruising height is actually lower than normal atmosperic pressure at sea level (hence the swollen packaging on your airline food). I believe the pressure is equalised as the plane descends (hence your ears popping).

[Clanad]

although rojash is correct (normal pressurization will provide about the equivalent of 6,000 feet above sea level at, say 35,000 feet above sea level cruise altitude) however, assuming no damage during the ditching, the cabin could remain pressurized and the aircraft would react as though it was a balloon in comparison to the pressure of the water. Some aircraft have been known to float for days in calm water. Even non-pressurized aircraft will often float for sometime due to the fuel in the wings being buoyant... again, assuming little major structural damage... Here's a video of an unusual event (takes a ittle time to get to the good part)... http://www.glumbert.com/media/planecrash

[Barney's pal]

thanks clanad. Its just I'm afraid of flyng and I can't swim!! the video was interesting, but I liked the cat with the tiolet flushing obsession best!

[vicalncraig]

Don't worry about drowning..........you'll be dead long before that!