We've seen people complain about air travel in our country and whine about little things. After reading this article, it's safe to say that we're blessed.

http://voicesofafrica.co.za/somalia-pray-before-during-and-after-your-flight/

Is it possible to fly with a crack in the window at low altitude? What might happen at typical cruising altitudes(~38,000 feet?) in case of a small crack in the window?

Like most things on the internet - you have to take it with a pinch of salt

Doesn't seem true to me. I mean many of the things he has said is unbelievable.

BTW, That crack in the window will rip the whole window off. Also the pressure difference should cause the air from the cabin to rush outwards and not the opposite. I don't know how he felt the cold air rushing in from the outside.

@Rohit: I thought the same. What if the flight were at a lower altitude?

@Saikat: I do agree that everything said might not be true but a fair bit seems believable, doesn't it?

its a bit believable, but i think the window crack thing is true. Because the plane is so messed up i dont think there would be any cabin pressure.
the pressurizing system was probably destroyed

As far as I can remember, It was a hot humid day ......... later someone wanted to sit near the window because of the cold air rushing in. Well, that means that the airplane was at a considerable altitude, and without any cabin pressure, I don't know how they would be breathing(with the considerable speed that these planes fly at).

Also, a plane with 150 seats is not really a small plane and hence it is bound to fly at somewhat high altitudes for better endurance. For a plane with smoke already coming out from the engine, the last thing one would want is to fly really low and burn up the fuel.

Finally, it is very important to keep the CG of the airplane fixed(ahead of the neutral point). There have been atleast a couple of crashes because of the luggage coming loose in mid flight(one of the reasons they don't allow you to move in the airplane during takeoff/landing), but here we see luggage being held by people and so on. Also i don't know of any company that will manufacture passenger planes with no cabin to put things into.

I really don't think this is true.

I like how the writer has conveniently avoided giving us even a small hint as to the make or design of the aircraft

Sent from a potato using a lamp

The condition is quiet identical to what we face in buses here...

regarding window, i guess there might be the crack in the innermost glass,if he is true about crack.
As far as i know the window comprises of three layers of glass. The outermost glass , the middle one(usually with a tiny hole), and the innermost. i guess even if the innermost glass gets a crack, outer one can endure the cabin pressure..

@Rohit: I think it is implied that the aircraft was an operable one in its 'glory days' and was leased out after it was not exactly flight worthy in a country where aircraft are subject to more stringent checks.