According to the plane's "memory items" [1] in response to a cabin altitude warning or rapid depressurization, pilots must: OXYGEN MASKS - DON OXYGEN REGULATO

According to the plane's "memory items" [1] in response to a cabin altitude warning or rapid depressurization, pilots must: OXYGEN MASKS - DON OXYGEN REGULATORS - Set to 100% CREW COMMUNICATIONS - ESTABLISH PRESSURIZATION MODE SELECTOR - MAN AC/MAN OUTFLOW VALVE SWITCH - CLOSE Hold in CLOSE until outflow Valve indicates fully closed If Pressurization is Not Controllable PASSENGER SIGNS - ON PASSENGER OXYGEN SWITCH - ON EMERGENCY DESCENT - ANNOUNCE The pilot flying will advise the cabin crew, on PA system, of impending rapid descent. The pilot monitoring will advise ATC and obtain area altimeter setting. PASSENGERS SIGN - ON DESCENT - INITIATE I do giggle a little at the thought of a door flying off, the air rushing out of the cabin, and the pilots responding by switching the seatbelt light on. The plane was only at 16,000 feet when it lost its door and according to [2] you've got 20-30 minutes of 'useful consciousness' at such an altitude, even without your oxygen mask on. So there was no need for an abrupt dive. [1] https://www.theairlinepilots.com/forumarchive/b737/b737memoryitems.php#c https://www.theairlinepilots.com/forumarchive/b737/b737memor... [2] https://skybrary.aero/articles/time-useful-consciousness https://skybrary.aero/articles/time-useful-consciousness