Passengers believed they were on a normal flight until a sudden, violent explosion shattered the calm, blowing open part of the aircraft’s cabin. Oxygen masks fell from the ceiling as the plane rapidly lost pressure, and loose items were hurled through the air. What averted greater tragedy was the swift, coordinated action of the flight crew and the steady control of the pilot, who managed to bring the plane down safely in an emergency landing.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the explosion occurred shortly after takeoff. The individual responsible had disguised themselves to avoid detection. The blast tore a gaping hole in the aircraft’s fuselage, and in a grim twist, the perpetrator was thrown from the plane. Remarkably, all other passengers and crew survived the ordeal.