Narrative:
Fifteen minutes after takeoff from Frankfurt Airport, while climbing through FL100 the translating cowl of the no. 1 engine thrust reverser became detached, struck the leading edge of the left horizontal stabiliser and fell to the ground. The commander subsequently shut down the engine and diverted to London Heathrow Airport where an uneventful overweight landing was made. The aircraft had had two previous malfunctions of the No 1 engine thrust reverser system.
CAUSES: (1) The ground engineer took actions which were not supported by his knowledge of the aircraft and, unrealised by him, were not mandated by the Master Minimum Equipment List.; (2) The ground engineer's supervisors failed to identify that an incorrect procedure had been followed although he had communicated his actions clearly to them.; (3) Damage became evident which was probably an indication of progressive cowl failure but it was not recognised as such."
| Status: | Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
| Date: | Monday 9 March 1992 |
| Time: | 15:50 |
| Type: |  Lockheed L-1011-385-3 TriStar 500 |
| Operator: | BWIA International |
| Registration: | 9Y-TGJ |
| MSN: | 1179 |
| First flight: | 1979 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 33556 |
| Engines: | 3 Rolls-Royce RB211-524B4-02 |
| Crew: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 13 |
| Passengers: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 173 |
| Total: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 186 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Aircraft fate: | Repaired |
| Location: | near KIRN VOR ( Germany)
|
| Phase: | En route (ENR) |
| Nature: | International Scheduled Passenger |
| Departure airport: | Frankfurt International Airport (FRA/EDDF), Germany |
| Saint Lucia-Hewanorra Airport (UVF/TLPL), Saint Lucia | |
| Flightnumber: | 981 |
Fifteen minutes after takeoff from Frankfurt Airport, while climbing through FL100 the translating cowl of the no. 1 engine thrust reverser became detached, struck the leading edge of the left horizontal stabiliser and fell to the ground. The commander subsequently shut down the engine and diverted to London Heathrow Airport where an uneventful overweight landing was made. The aircraft had had two previous malfunctions of the No 1 engine thrust reverser system.
Probable Cause:
CAUSES: (1) The ground engineer took actions which were not supported by his knowledge of the aircraft and, unrealised by him, were not mandated by the Master Minimum Equipment List.; (2) The ground engineer's supervisors failed to identify that an incorrect procedure had been followed although he had communicated his actions clearly to them.; (3) Damage became evident which was probably an indication of progressive cowl failure but it was not recognised as such."
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Classification:
Forced landing on runway
Follow-up / safety actions
AAIB issued 2 Safety Recommendations
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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 Frankfurt International Airport to Saint Lucia-Hewanorra Airport as the crow flies is 7329 km (4580 miles).
Distance from Frankfurt International Airport to Saint Lucia-Hewanorra Airport as the crow flies is 7329 km (4580 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.
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