Flames on Planes
Reporter Phil Williams of WTVF Channel 5 in Nashville used the Freedom of Information Act to do an investigative story of national significance. Williams obtain Federal Aviation Administration videos and reports indicating that two kinds of wiring commonly used by some airlines are potential fire hazards. His "Unsafe to Fly?" investigation reveals that Kapton, a wiring used in MD-80s, can allow the current to jump from the insulation crack of one wire to another wire, causing it to burn like "sparklers on steroids." Williams also reports that another wiring called PVC/Nylon used in DC-9s and some other older planes "never passed the first flammability test that the FAA developed more than 35 years ago" and produces toxic smoke once it's on fire. This story had the potential to be overly sensationalistic, but Williams backs up his points with a stream of information and expert analysis. The Web package comes with a helpful sidebar outlining the kinds of aircraft used by different airlines and which ones use Kapton and PVC so that travelers can avoid the most dangerous ones. For the whole package, go to www.newschannel5.com/Global/category.asp?C=132748