What Happens If a Plane Decompresses?

So what happens if your plane suddenly depressurizes? At first, you'll probably feel like you're rushing up a skyscraper elevator. Your ears will pop, and you may experience some temporary hearing problems. If you hold your nose and blow the air out of your ears, you shouldn't experience any long term effects.

What happens when a plane decompresses?

When a cabin depressurizes, the percentage of oxygen in the air stays about the same, but the molecules get further and further apart, Padfield explained. ... The aircraft's engines pressurize the cabin with outside air, according to Air and Space magazine.

What happens when a plane loses cabin pressure?

Loss of pressure in a plane can come from a hole or leak and results in loss of oxygen. Pilots then need to get the aircraft down to a safe altitude where everyone can breathe normally. ... Oxygen masks will fall from the plane's ceiling when the cabin pressure falls below a certain threshold.