Definition
A sudden loss of cabin pressure in a pressurized aircraft that occurs faster than the lungs can decompress, generally defined as a pressure change taking less than 0.5 seconds. It is typically caused by structural failure, a window or door blowout, or rupture of the pressurized cabin, and can result in lung damage, rapid onset of hypoxia, and the violent expulsion of loose objects from the cabin.
Plain English
The cabin loses its pressure so quickly that the air inside rushes out almost instantly — faster than your lungs can keep up with. It is the most severe and dangerous type of cabin pressure loss.
Context Anchor
Seen in pressurized aircraft training, especially in discussions of high-altitude emergencies, oxygen use, and emergency descent procedures.
Derivation
From Latin 'explodere' meaning 'to drive out with force,' and 'decompression' meaning 'release from pressure.' The word 'explosive' here refers to the speed and violence of the event, not to a fire or detonation — the air itself escapes with explosive force.
Why Pilots Care
It produces rapid hypoxia and physical discomfort, demanding immediate oxygen mask use and emergency descent.
Grounding Statement
Picture the cabin air suddenly rushing out through a large opening while the aircraft is high above the ground where the outside air is much thinner.
Intuition Check
“Explosive” does not mean something necessarily exploded or caught fire here. It means the pressure loss is extremely fast and forceful.
Example Sentence 1
After the cargo door failed at FL350, the aircraft suffered an explosive decompression and the crew immediately donned oxygen masks and began an emergency descent.
Example Sentence 2
Training emphasizes recognizing the loud rush of air that signals explosive decompression and starting an emergency descent.