mikelcf

This unlucky fellow was my traveling companion this morning on a United Express CRJ-700 (Seat 1A).
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../photo%201.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/.../photo%202.jpg
Not the first time I have seen bugs in the windowsill, but this one was perched up looking right at me the entire flight. A bee, I think. Based on its discoloration this bee appears to have logged many miles on United.
Anyone know how they get in there between the inner and outer windows?

whimike

I have seen bugs in there too. The only way I can think of them getting in would be during servicing if a mechanic takes off the inner plastic window, bug flies in and hides, then plastic window gets reinstalled.

steveman518

That's one way to become a frequent flier

mfkne

The bug will tell you under the condition you tell it how to get the hell out again

slawecki

on at least some planes, there is a small hole in the outer pane.

Forrest Bump

I think the bottom of the covering panel inside the aircraft is not sealed.

jerry305

The windows do not form a perfect seal. The pressure for a seal required at 35000 feet is different than at ground.

In very very very cold temperatures, it's possible for deicing fluid to enter a plane window. I could see that a bug could get in in certain conditions.

leonidas

Notice carefully and you will see a small hole at the bottom of the outer window, although it's really small for an insect.

CLTmech

Ok, before we go too far down the wrong track... ... the hole that you both are referring to is on the inside pane of the window itself, and is for both pressurization and moisture control. You are seeing it, and the bug, through what is known as the window 'reveal' that is attached to the sidewall panel of the interior.

If the interior panels are removed or loosened there is the chance that a bug can get in the window area with the possibility of being missed during the re-installation.

A note about cabin windows (this is dated from my days of working DHC-8s, but should still be valid). The windows basically are 2 panes in a rubber seal that is held against the inside of the skin with a small lip in the cutout around the window. As long as the window assembly was correctly installed fluids should not get past the seal, and if some does, it shouldn't get to the inside of the window itself. Any moisture in the window itself should only be from condensation (cabin humidity and inside/outside temperature).

jerry305

On the tarmac one morning, in -35 degree conditions, a stream of orange deicing fluid began dripping from the window onto the window seat passenger in my row. The fluid scared the passenger, and the fact that fluid could get into the plane scared everybody else within about 3 rows of him.

Perhaps this is a mystery that could be solved in another forum.

kebosabi

You may never know that this is how insect borne diseases can spread throughout the world...

savekenny

Could it also be some bored technicians' cruel jokes to the entomophobic?

cirqueboy

I want to know more about the one outside?!?!?!