Narrative:
A Northwest Airlines Boeing 747, operating as Flight 723, ran off the end of runway 27L while landing at Miami International Airport, Florida. There were 149 passengers and 11 crewmembers aboard; no one was seriously injured. The nose landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft structure in that area.
During takeoff from runway 27R a few minutes earlier, the aircraft had collided with a flock of sea gulls. The crew had shut down the No.4 engine, which was believed to have been causing vibration, and then had requested clearance to return to Miami.
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The ineffective braking capability of the aircraft on the wet runway because of the low coefficient of friction of the new runway surface, and insufficient engine reverse thrust to decelerate the aircraft. The combined effects of the lack of the No. 4 engine reverse thrust and malfunction of the No. 3 engine reverser resulted in a directional control problem and restricted the use of Nos. 1 and 2 engine reversers."
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Friday 15 December 1972 |
| Time: | 17:14 |
| Type: |  Boeing 747-151 |
| Operator: | Northwest Airlines |
| Registration: | N602US |
| MSN: | 19779/40 |
| First flight: | 1970 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 6605 |
| Engines: | 4 Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3A |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 11 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 149 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 160 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | Miami International Airport, FL (MIA) ( United States of America)
|
| Phase: | Landing (LDG) |
| Nature: | Domestic Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Miami International Airport, FL (MIA/KMIA), United States of America |
| ? | |
| Flightnumber: | NW723 |
A Northwest Airlines Boeing 747, operating as Flight 723, ran off the end of runway 27L while landing at Miami International Airport, Florida. There were 149 passengers and 11 crewmembers aboard; no one was seriously injured. The nose landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft structure in that area.
During takeoff from runway 27R a few minutes earlier, the aircraft had collided with a flock of sea gulls. The crew had shut down the No.4 engine, which was believed to have been causing vibration, and then had requested clearance to return to Miami.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The ineffective braking capability of the aircraft on the wet runway because of the low coefficient of friction of the new runway surface, and insufficient engine reverse thrust to decelerate the aircraft. The combined effects of the lack of the No. 4 engine reverse thrust and malfunction of the No. 3 engine reverser resulted in a directional control problem and restricted the use of Nos. 1 and 2 engine reversers."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Runway excursion
Follow-up / safety actions
NTSB issued 1 Safety Recommendation
Show all...
Show all...
Photos
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.
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2023 Flight Safety Foundation