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Question
How dangerous would a bomb be to a commercial airliner?
Well, obviously depending on the type of explosive device, it can be lethal. There have been several accidents caused by bombs onboard that have brought down airliners and killed hundreds onboard. Others have just caused severe damage to the airframe and most of not all passengers survived. The potential for destruction totally depends on the kind of device. You can read about all the bomb related accidents at http://www.aviation-safety.net
Each aircraft has what is called a "least risk bomb location" onboard. This means that if the device can be moved, it should be relocated to that spot on the aircraft so in the event of detonation, it will cause the least damage to the structure.
Bottom line, all bombs are dangerous but not all explosions will take down an airplane.
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Answers by Expert:
D. Norkus
Expertise
I can address questions about airline pilot employment & entry level airline careers in the United States, women pilots, flight training, pilot certification, U.S. flight scholarships (mostly for women), aviation & airline safety topics, aviation accident investigation and airline operations. ***Please note, I cannot address flight training & career queries from outside the United States, or aero engineering degree programs/careers, aviation management topics. ****
Experience
Airline captain with 15 years past experience in airline ground operations. I have previously flown as a commercial skydive pilot & ferry pilot and majored in Aviation Science
Organizations
International Organization of Women Pilots- The Ninety-Nines, charter member of Women In Aviation International, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Air Line Pilots Association.
Education/Credentials
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University; Aviation Safety/Accident investigation.
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