Accident description
Last updated: 20 June 2013
| Status: | Preliminary - official |
| Date: | 27 APR 2002 |
| Time: | ca 03:00 |
| Type: | McDonnell Douglas DC-10-40F |
| Operator: | Centurion Air Cargo |
| Registration: | N141WE |
| C/n / msn: | 46661/224 |
| First flight: | 1976 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 0 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 5 |
| Airplane damage: | Substantial |
| Airplane fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | San Salvador-Comalapa International Airport (SAL) (El Salvador) |
| Phase: | Takeoff (TOF) |
| Nature: | Cargo |
| Departure airport: | San Salvador-Comalapa International Airport (SAL/MSLP), El Salvador |
| Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport (GUA/MGGT), Guatemala |
At rotation, the flightcrew heard a sound described as a 'thump' or 'bang'. After becoming airborne, hydraulic pressure was lost on the nos. 1 and 2 systems. The flightcrew lowered the landing gear and returned to a landing on the takeoff runway. The airplane was brought to a stop and shut down. Examination found extensive damage in the left wing, above the left main landing gear, that included fractured nos. 1 and 2 hydraulic lines, and fractures or damaged mechanical control cables, pulleys, push rods, and electrical wiring. The no. 5 tire was found blown, and tread on the no. 1 tire damaged, both on the left main mount. Marks of a reverser cascade, identified as coming from a Boeing 727 engine, were found impressed into the runway, and a cascade was recovered in a search of the takeoff runway. Pieces of what appeared to be aluminum and other aircraft debris were also found on and near the takeoff runway.
Sources:
» NTSB
Follow-up / safety actions
NTSB issued 1 Safety Recommendation
Show all AD's and Safety Recommendations
Show all AD's and Safety Recommendations
Photos
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 San Salvador-Comalapa International Airport to Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport as the crow flies is 202 km (126 miles).
Distance from San Salvador-Comalapa International Airport to Guatemala City-La Aurora Airport as the crow flies is 202 km (126 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.
