Maureen Miller
360° Writer
The crew of a Qantas jumbo jet had a day on the job they’ll never forget. The same is true for the 356 passengers onboard. Just look at the photo. That’s Captain John Francis Bartels staring in awe at the massive hole in the cargo area of the Boeing 747 he just landed in the Philippines. The flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne, Australia was cruising at 29,000 feet when trouble hit.
The cabin depressurized, oxygen masks fell and in an instant no one wanted to eat the food that had just been served by the flight attendants. The crew brought the plane down to 10,000 feet and steps were taken to divert the plane to Manila. The plane landed safely and with a big applause from all on board. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Though, the question tonight is: How did this happen? And, could other 747’s be in danger?
Also tonight, John McCain firing some of his toughest shots yet at Barack Obama. Here’s what he told a group of military veterans in Denver, “Senator Obama said just this week that even knowing what he knows today that he still would have opposed the surge. In retrospect, given the opportunity to choose between failure and success, he chooses failure.” He went on to say, “If Obama had prevailed American forces would have had to retreat under fire, the Iraqi army would have collapsed.” It looks like McCain finally got his powerful photo-op of the week. Do you think McCain’s right or wrong?
Meantime, Barack Obama may have made his first snafu of his overseas trip. He canceled a visit with U.S. troops in Germany. And wait till you see where he was caught on camera. We’ll show you tonight.
Plus, take me out of the ballpark on a stretcher. A fan was hurt when a big fight broke on the the field at a minor league baseball game. A player is facing criminal charges. We’ll have the latest in tonight’s crime and punishment report.
All that and more tonight at 10 p.m. eastern.
Hope you’ll join us.
| Cindy |
July 25th, 2008 9:10 pm ET I was hoping that you all would have the story on of the Qantas jet that a hole was blown in it’s fuselage. That had to be extremely scary for those people. I’ve seen the video of the inside shot by a passenger and they stayed pretty calm! I was surprised. I don’t know if I could have been that calm! LOL I’m just wondering what caused it. And I hope it doesn’t happen again. Cindy…Ga. |
|
| Annie Kate |
July 25th, 2008 9:36 pm ET I was going to watch 360 anyway but you really got my attention about Obama’s first snafu and McCain’s tough shots on Obama. Those should e some interesting reports. The hole in the airplane is scary looking – I feel for those on board and am glad they got down safely. I can see why they suddenly didn’t want to eat though. I don’t much think I would have either. Looking forward to the show. Annie Kate |
|
| Brandon |
July 25th, 2008 10:46 pm ET I use to like to watch CNN’s 360 , but lately they have been supporting Obama and trashing everyone. Shame on CNN News seem’s to me like your already on Obama ’s paid check list. Has that what modern News casting has come too?? Brain washing people to trick them out of thier vote?? I guss Obama is really all about big Money and who he can buy a vote from! Last year this time we did not even know who Obama’s name was. When will the people Wake-up and see the light, 12 months ago Obama and his family were attending that Hater Chruch were they listen to “Dam this Country to Hell”. This great Nation has always been ready for a Black leader or a women, but do we have to lose our minds, Obama will tell you anything you want to here. |
|
| Sabrina in Los Angeles |
July 25th, 2008 10:55 pm ET Is this because they are trying to avoid maintenance costs? or down time for planes? |
|
| Diana Hall |
July 25th, 2008 11:35 pm ET Western Europe, in general, appears more well -educated, free thinking, and far more intellectual and progressive in many ways than the US and because of this is dubbed by the US as “liberal”. Obama appeals to Europe because he is all of the above. Commenators of CNN!!!!! : loosen your ties, or at least take off your coats, as Jack does, and and think out of your boxes! You’re all reporting Obama’s visit to the Mid East and especially Europe, like he is a martian from a distant land.. you are from a distant land in your perspectives and therefore toward your reporting. |
|
| screna |
July 26th, 2008 12:04 am ET why do you think mccain keeps saying my friends over and over again every time he gives a speech? |
|
| James |
July 26th, 2008 12:09 am ET Anderson, James, CA |
|
| Jon Von |
July 26th, 2008 10:55 am ET I have read the rhetoric on black in America, The highest paid entertainers are black, the highest paid sports figures are black, we have a black man running for president on the Denocratic ticket. |
|
| Carol Lloyd |
July 28th, 2008 6:08 am ET In reference to the accident with the Quantas Jet due to the explosion of an oxygen canister where the Airline said that it wasnt anything they could have done to prevent it. If memory serves correctly didnt Value Jet Flight 592 crash due to a fire caused an an oxygen canister that was supposed to be empty stored in the cargo area? Seems to me like I have heard this one before. I may be wrong but it might be worth looking into. |
|
| Carol Lloyd |
July 28th, 2008 6:12 am ET Yes I think McCain’s wrong as he looks on this as a win lose situation in Iraq. Perhaps because of the sacrifices he made in Viet Nam a war did lose. But this isnt the same situation. As the intended goal was regime change. That has been done and if the Iraqi leadership wishes us to withdraw our troops we should respect their wishes. |
|
|
Comments have been closed for this article |
||
A behind the scenes look at “Anderson Cooper 360°” and the stories it covers, written by Anderson Cooper, the AC360° staff and a network of contributors. Insight you can’t find anywhere else.
We search the news each day to show you what’s on our radar and what we’re planning for the show each night.
For more details, read our tips on how to win 360° approval for comments.
Send your instant feedback to Anderson Cooper 360°.
- Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 07/13/09
- Evening Buzz: Pres. Obama, slavery, and that “wise Latina”
- Sotomayor a cautious, careful liberal
- Beat 360º 7/13/09
- Interviewing President Obama in Ghana
- A capacity for cruelty is never justified
- La Toya Jackson: Michael was murdered… I felt it from the start
- Photo gallery: Anderson in Ghana
- Obama’s visit – and what it meant to Ghanaians
- A beacon of hope in Sub Saharan Africa

