Narrative:A no. 2 engine power loss on climbout forced the crew to return to the airport. A massive fire in the engine nacelle was discovered after lowering the gear. The airplane departed runway 16L on emergency landing and struck ground equipment before crashing into jetways B7 and B9.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the improper installation of the high-pressure fuel filter cover that allowed a massive fuel leak and subsequent fire to occur in the right engine nacelle. The improper installation probably
occurred at the engine manufacturer; however, the failure of airline maintenance personnel to detect and correct the improper installation contributed to the accident. Also contributing to the accident was the loss of the right engine centre access panels from a fuel explosion that negated the fire suppression system and allowed hydraulic line burn-through that in turn caused a total loss of airplane control on the ground."
Accident investigation:
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Investigating agency: | NTSB |
Status: | Investigation completed |
Duration: | 11 months | Accident number: | NTSB/AAR-89-02 | Download report: | Final report
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Classification:
Runway excursion
Sources:
» NTSB
Follow-up / safety actions
NTSB issued 6 Safety Recommendations
Issued: 10-MAR-1989 | To: FAA | A-89-10 |
REVIEW THE DESIGN OF THE SHOULDER HARNESS GUIDE COVER ON DHC-8 COCKPIT SEATS WITH THE INTENT TO DETERMINE THE REASON FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR ON THE SHOULDER HARNESS WEBBING. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 10-MAR-1989 | To: FAA | A-89-11 |
DIRECT A ONE-TIME INSPECTION AND REVIEW THE DESIGN OF THE COCKPIT JUMPSEAT HOLD-UP STRAP ON DHC-8 AIRPLANES FOR EXCESSIVE WEAR, AND MANDATE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REDESIGN AS NECESSARY. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 10-MAR-1989 | To: FAA | A-89-12 |
ISSUE AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) TO REQUIRE THE INSTALLATION OF THE 1/4-TURN LATCH ON THE CLOSET/WARDROBE DOOR OF DHC-8 AIRPLANES AS REQUIRED BY TRANSPORT CANADA\'S AD CF-88-24. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 10-MAR-1989 | To: FAA | A-89-13 |
ISSUE AN AIR CARRIER OPERATIONS BULLETIN FOR OPERATIONS INSPECTORS TO REVIEW WITH OPERATORS OF DHC-8 AIRPLANES THE REQUIREMENT TO COMPLY WITH THE WARDROBE\'S PLACARDED FLOOR LOADING. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 10-MAR-1989 | To: FAA | A-89-8 |
REASSESS THE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENGINE COWLS ON THE DHC-8 WITH THE VIEW TOWARD AMENDING THE REGULATIONS TO ENHANCE THE FIRE SUPPRESSION CAPABILITY OF THE ENGINE COWLING. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
Issued: 10-MAR-1989 | To: FAA | A-89-9 |
TAKE ACTION TO VERIFY THE COMPLIANCE OF FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE INSP COCKPIT SHOULDER HARNESS/SEAT BELT WEAR. (Closed - Acceptable Action) |
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Photos
accident date:
15-04-1988type: de Havilland Canada DHC-8-102
registration: N819PH
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Seattle/Tacoma International Airport, WA to Spokane International Airport, WA as the crow flies is 356 km (223 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.