Incident Overview
On January 9, 2025, an Aeromexico Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration XA-DAI, operating flight AM-658 from Mexico City to Denver, experienced a cracked windshield at FL370 approximately 200 nautical miles north of Mexico City. The crew initiated a descent to FL200 and decided to return to Mexico City, where the aircraft landed safely on runway 23L approximately 75 minutes after departure.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• The aircraft departed from Mexico City on schedule, climbing to a cruising altitude of FL370.
2. In-Flight Issue:
• While en route, the captain observed a crack forming on the left-hand windshield.
• Spider cracks quickly extended across the height and width of the windshield, though the outer pane remained intact.
3. Crew Action:
• The crew immediately initiated a descent to FL200 to reduce differential pressure and mitigate stress on the damaged windshield.
• A decision was made to return to Mexico City as a precautionary measure.
4. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely at Mexico City’s runway 23L without further incident.
Passenger and Crew Impact
• No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
• Passengers were accommodated on a replacement aircraft, reaching Denver with a delay of approximately 3.5 hours.
Technical Analysis
1. Windshield Composition:
• Aircraft windshields typically consist of multiple layers, including inner and outer panes made of reinforced glass and a heating element for defogging and de-icing.
• The observed spider cracks likely originated from the outer pane, which did not compromise cabin pressure.
2. Possible Causes of Cracking:
• Thermal Stress: Fluctuations in temperature during climb could have caused stress in the heating element or glass layers.
• Manufacturing Defect: Faults in the windshield’s materials or bonding layers may have contributed to the failure.
• Foreign Object Impact: While less likely at FL370, high-speed debris could potentially damage the outer layer.
3. Preventive Systems:
• The aircraft’s windshield is designed to maintain integrity even in the event of outer pane failure, ensuring continued pressurization and structural safety.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
1. Immediate Inspections:
• Inspect the affected windshield for signs of manufacturing defects, stress fractures, or damage to heating elements.
2. Fleet-Wide Checks:
• Conduct inspections of windshields on other Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in Aeromexico’s fleet to rule out systemic issues.
3. Manufacturer Collaboration:
• Work with Boeing to determine if the incident aligns with any known patterns of windshield failure and ensure compliance with applicable Service Bulletins.
4. Operational Adjustments:
• Reiterate the importance of maintaining appropriate temperature and pressure settings during climb to reduce stress on structural components.
Conclusion
The Aeromexico crew demonstrated professionalism and swift decision-making by initiating a controlled descent and returning to the departure airport. The windshield’s failure was contained within its design parameters, avoiding further complications. The root cause of the cracking is under investigation, and findings will inform necessary corrective measures.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on available information as of January 10, 2025. Updates may follow pending further investigation. For content concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
