767 heating duct implodes in flight, passengers sprayed with hot ashes and insulation

Passengers aboard a Delta 767 yesterday had a fun time on their flight from Raleight-Durham to Atlanta. According to a preliminary report from the FAA, one of the aircraft's heat exchanging ducts imploded. The force of the implosion caused hot air and ashes to be vented into the aircraft's cabin during cruise at 31,000 feet. The hot air also filled the interior of the fuselage with cabin insulation (at least its not asbestos).

The flight crew of Delta 1819 diverted the flight with 259 passengers to the Greenville, SC airport where it landed safely. Everyone was released from the flight and it appears that there was only one injury. A woman received a burn to her knee. Of course, post incident interviews with local media included the usual hopeful buzzwords, "bomb", "9/11", "the worst", etc. Although this would be scary if you were a passenger, it is reported that life did go on.

(Photo: The Greenville News)