Transport Airplane: Threat Categories/ Groupings Accidents
Threat Category
Below are accident summaries organized relative to the threats category that were a major factor in each accident.
Groupings
Advancements in aviation technology, training, and processes have resulted in steady improvements in nearly all areas of commercial aviation safety. However, despite these advancements, these four groupings continue to represent significant opportunities for additional safety improvements. They are included here in order to aid the library user in understanding the lessons within each technical category associated with these four groups.
Collisions between airplanes and birds have occurred from nearly the beginning of aviation. Although rare, these collisions have occasionally resulted in catastrophic damage to the airplane. Currently, protection from the hazards of birds is the result of both measures taken to keep the collision from happening, such as bird control programs at certain airports, as well as providing robust airplane and engine designs so that even severe encounters are able to be withstood.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
10/4/1960 |
Eastern Airlines |
375 |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-188 Electra |
|
11/23/1962 |
United Airlines |
297 |
Ellicott City |
Maryland |
United States |
Vickers-Armstrongs |
Viscount 745 |
|
11/12/1975 |
Overseas National Airways |
32 |
Jamaica |
New York |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
30 |
Civil aircraft cabin safety was initially limited to seat static load requirements, incorporation of seat belts, and cabin exit requirements. In the late 1960's transport category cabin safety requirements began to evolve with the interest of protecting aircraft occupants during and following "survivable" crash scenarios that might be experienced in hard landings, runway overruns or land-short accidents.
Hazardous cargo's capacity to generate fire, smoke or fumes, has received increased attention in the wake of the 1996 Valujet accident. Threat management relies on the proper recognition, identification, and handling of hazardous cargo.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
11/3/1973 |
27 |
Albuquerque |
New Mexico |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
3/1/1978 |
603 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
8/19/1980 |
163 |
Riyadh |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
10 |
|
6/2/1983 |
797 |
Covington |
Kentucky |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
8/22/1985 |
KT28M |
Manchester |
|
England |
Boeing |
737 |
236 |
|
1/8/1989 |
92 |
Kegworth |
Leicestershire |
England |
Boeing |
737 |
400 |
|
1/25/1990 |
52 |
Long Island |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
707 |
321B |
|
2/1/1991 |
1493 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
2/1/1991 |
5569 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner |
SA-277-AC |
|
|
5/11/1996 |
592 |
Everglades |
Florida |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
9/2/1998 |
111 |
Peggy's Cove |
|
Nova Scotia |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-11 |
|
|
8/20/2007 |
120 |
Okinawa |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
737 |
800 |
|
9/3/2010 |
6 |
Dubai |
|
United Arab Emirates |
Boeing |
747 |
44AF |
|
4/29/2013 |
National Airlines |
102 |
Bagram |
|
Afghanistan |
Boeing |
747 |
400 BCF |
The cause of many accidents is inadequate communications between crewmembers. In the early years of commercial aviation, the captain's decisions were always the "right" ones with little or no input from the other crewmembers. Beginning in the late 70's, Crew Resource Management (CRM) taught pilots how to integrate human factors with the technical skills of flying airplanes.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
12/29/1972 |
401 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
12/1/1974 |
514 |
Mt. Weather |
Virginia |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
231 |
|
4/27/1976 |
625 |
St. Thomas |
|
Virgin Islands |
Boeing |
727 |
95 |
|
3/27/1977 |
4805 |
Tenerife |
Canary Islands |
Spain |
Boeing |
747 |
206B |
|
3/27/1977 |
1736 |
Tenerife |
Canary Islands |
Spain |
Boeing |
747 |
121 |
|
12/28/1978 |
173 |
Portland |
Oregon |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-8 |
61 |
|
8/19/1980 |
163 |
Riyadh |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
10 |
|
1/13/1982 |
90 |
Washington |
D.C. |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
200 |
|
6/2/1983 |
797 |
Covington |
Kentucky |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
1/8/1989 |
92 |
Kegworth |
Leicestershire |
England |
Boeing |
737 |
400 |
|
3/10/1989 |
1363 |
Dryden |
Ontario |
Canada |
Fokker |
28 |
|
|
1/25/1990 |
52 |
Long Island |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
707 |
321B |
|
2/14/1990 |
605 |
Bangalore |
|
India |
Airbus |
A320 |
321 |
|
1/20/1992 |
IFT148 DA |
Strasbourg |
|
France |
Airbus |
A320 |
111 |
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
4/26/1994 |
140 |
Nagoya |
|
Japan |
Airbus |
300B4-622R |
|
|
12/20/1995 |
965 |
Cali |
|
Colombia |
Boeing |
757 |
223 |
|
2/6/1996 |
ALW301 |
Puerto Plata |
|
Dominican Republic |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
8/6/1997 |
801 |
Nimitz Hill |
|
Guam |
Boeing |
747 |
300 |
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
8/24/2001 |
TSC236 |
Lajes |
Azores |
Portugal |
Airbus |
A330 |
243 |
|
8/14/2005 |
52 |
Hellas |
|
Greece |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
8/27/2006 |
5191 |
Lexington |
Kentucky |
United States |
Bombardier |
CL-600-2B19 |
|
|
2/12/2009 |
3407 |
Clarence Center |
New York |
United States |
Bombardier |
DHC-8-400 |
|
Flight deck layout and alert/warning display strategies influence a crew's ability to interface with their airplane, and can include issues with the arrangement, and/or visibility of flight deck displays/controls. Regulations require that displays must be visible and usable, without inducing unnecessary concentration or fatigue. With increased flight deck sophistication and avionics complexity, methods of conveying critical information to flight crews have evolved. Variations in information presentation, and/or differences in function can create confusion if not carefully evaluated and examined through a range of operational situations. Human factors engineers and flight test pilots work together to determine proper arrangement of flight deck components and methods of conveying information.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
1/18/1969 |
266 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22C |
|
12/29/1972 |
401 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
5/25/1979 |
191 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
1/13/1982 |
90 |
Washington |
D.C. |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
200 |
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
1/8/1989 |
92 |
Kegworth |
Leicestershire |
England |
Boeing |
737 |
400 |
|
2/14/1990 |
605 |
Bangalore |
|
India |
Airbus |
A320 |
321 |
|
1/20/1992 |
IFT148 DA |
Strasbourg |
|
France |
Airbus |
A320 |
111 |
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
4/26/1994 |
140 |
Nagoya |
|
Japan |
Airbus |
300B4-622R |
|
|
12/20/1995 |
965 |
Cali |
|
Colombia |
Boeing |
757 |
223 |
|
2/6/1996 |
ALW301 |
Puerto Plata |
|
Dominican Republic |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
8/6/1997 |
801 |
Nimitz Hill |
|
Guam |
Boeing |
747 |
300 |
|
8/24/2001 |
TSC236 |
Lajes |
Azores |
Portugal |
Airbus |
A330 |
243 |
|
7/1/2002 |
2937 |
Überlingen |
|
Germany |
Tupolev |
TU154M |
|
|
7/1/2002 |
611 |
Überlingen |
|
Germany |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
8/14/2005 |
52 |
Hellas |
|
Greece |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
1/15/2009 |
1549 |
New York |
New York |
United States |
Airbus |
A320 |
214 |
|
2/12/2009 |
3407 |
Clarence Center |
New York |
United States |
Bombardier |
DHC-8-400 |
|
Fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of thrust from more than one engine, and potentially all engines, is often a catastrophic event. Although transport airplanes are capable of controlled flight during an all-engine out event, the high descent speeds and absence of a safe landing area, result in approximately half of the all-engine out events that have occurred in recent years to be crashes with substantial loss of life. The reasons for fuel exhaustion range from undiscovered fuel leaks, fuel system mismanagement, navigation errors (e.g. being lost), inattention to the fuel gauges, and other reasons.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
12/28/1978 |
173 |
Portland |
Oregon |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-8 |
61 |
|
7/23/1983 |
143 |
Gimli |
Manitoba |
Canada |
Boeing |
767 |
233 |
|
1/25/1990 |
52 |
Long Island |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
707 |
321B |
|
8/24/2001 |
TSC236 |
Lajes |
Azores |
Portugal |
Airbus |
A330 |
243 |
Aviation fuel tank safety has been predicated upon the absence of any form of heat or spark within the fuel tank ullage space that could ignite fuel. While this approach has been fairly successful, several fuel tank explosions over the last 20 years has caused this strategy to be called into question. The accidents included in this category have been instrumental in shaping the safety requirements currently being applied, and are helping determine alternative approaches which may be applied to future designs.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
12/8/1963 |
214 |
Elkton |
Maryland |
United States |
Boeing |
707 |
121 |
|
7/17/1996 |
800 |
Long Island |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
747 |
100 |
Transport airplanes and their engines are capable of operation in virtually all forms of atmospheric weather conditions in nearly every part of the globe. Like all other safety categories, however, the standards related to weather, both design and operation, have evolved as the technology has improved and the lessons related to the environmental threats have been better understood. Safety of flight is achieved by a combination of robust airplane capability, and operation in a manner such that hazardous weather conditions are avoided.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
1/18/1960 |
20 |
Charles City |
Virginia |
United States |
Vickers-Armstrongs |
Viscount 700 |
|
|
2/12/1963 |
705 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Boeing |
720B |
|
|
12/8/1963 |
214 |
Elkton |
Maryland |
United States |
Boeing |
707 |
121 |
|
4/4/1977 |
242 |
New Hope |
Georgia |
United States |
Douglas |
DC-9 |
31 |
|
1/13/1982 |
90 |
Washington |
D.C. |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
200 |
|
5/24/1988 |
110 |
New Orleans |
Louisiana |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
3/10/1989 |
1363 |
Dryden |
Ontario |
Canada |
Fokker |
28 |
|
|
12/27/1991 |
751 |
Gottröra |
|
Sweden |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-81 |
|
|
10/31/1994 |
4184 |
Roselawn |
Indiana |
United States |
Avions de Transport Regional |
72-212 |
|
|
1/9/1997 |
3272 |
Monroe |
Michigan |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
12/8/2005 |
1248 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
700 |
All pilots use the flight controls in the same way, whether the plane is a small general aviation airplane or a large commercial airliner. Mistakes made by a low-time pilot generally reflect inexperience and lack of training: either the basic manipulation of the flight controls is not yet automatic and the pilot does not demonstrate a proper "feel" for the aircraft, or the pilot lacks the specific training and knowledge to make correct avionic or aeronautical decisions. Incorrect piloting technique in an airline pilot, however, who possesses more experience and whose control or avionic inputs are more instinctive, tend to occur from more subjective factors, such as stress, fatigue, and/or confusion. However, similar to the inexperienced pilot, insufficient or improper training and checking can also play a role with the airline pilot due to upgrade, transition or initial training on new or different equipment flown.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
2/12/1963 |
705 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Boeing |
720B |
|
|
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
12/1/1974 |
514 |
Mt. Weather |
Virginia |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
231 |
|
4/27/1976 |
625 |
St. Thomas |
|
Virgin Islands |
Boeing |
727 |
95 |
|
8/2/1985 |
191 |
Dallas/Fort Worth |
Texas |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
2/14/1990 |
605 |
Bangalore |
|
India |
Airbus |
A320 |
321 |
|
1/20/1992 |
IFT148 DA |
Strasbourg |
|
France |
Airbus |
A320 |
111 |
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
4/26/1994 |
140 |
Nagoya |
|
Japan |
Airbus |
300B4-622R |
|
|
9/8/1994 |
427 |
Aliquippa |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
3B7 |
|
2/6/1996 |
ALW301 |
Puerto Plata |
|
Dominican Republic |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
8/6/1997 |
801 |
Nimitz Hill |
|
Guam |
Boeing |
747 |
300 |
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
11/12/2001 |
587 |
Belle Harbor |
NewYork |
United States |
Airbus |
A300 |
600 |
|
11/6/2002 |
LG9642/LH2420 |
Luxembourg |
|
Luxembourg |
Fokker |
F27 Mk 050 |
|
|
12/8/2005 |
1248 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
700 |
|
2/12/2009 |
3407 |
Clarence Center |
New York |
United States |
Bombardier |
DHC-8-400 |
|
Inflight upsets can result from a number of causes, ranging from external atmospheric anomalies to internal airplane failures such as flight control or structural failures. Any unintended deviation from the planned flight path is an upset, but the degree of upset can greatly affect a flight crew's ability to recover to normal flight. An upset is generally characterized by a loss of airplane control, at least for a short period. This category describes the history of inflight upsets, and the accidents that have resulted from the variety of upset causes.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
2/12/1963 |
705 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Boeing |
720B |
|
|
9/11/1991 |
2574 |
Eagle Lake |
Texas |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
9/8/1994 |
427 |
Aliquippa |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
3B7 |
|
10/31/1994 |
4184 |
Roselawn |
Indiana |
United States |
Avions de Transport Regional |
72-212 |
|
|
1/9/1997 |
3272 |
Monroe |
Michigan |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
8/7/1997 |
101 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-8 |
61 |
|
11/12/2001 |
587 |
Belle Harbor |
NewYork |
United States |
Airbus |
A300 |
600 |
|
2/12/2009 |
3407 |
Clarence Center |
New York |
United States |
Bombardier |
DHC-8-400 |
|
|
4/29/2013 |
National Airlines |
102 |
Bagram |
|
Afghanistan |
Boeing |
747 |
400 BCF |
Lack of system isolation / segregation involves a condition where a malfunction or failure condition affects more than one system, or cascades a failure condition into subsequent failures. This can be a result from a major event such as a structural failure, a fire that consumes multiple systems, or lack of system architecture itself that allows a failure condition to impact multiple systems or functions.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
1/18/1960 |
20 |
Charles City |
Virginia |
United States |
Vickers-Armstrongs |
Viscount 700 |
|
|
1/18/1969 |
266 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22C |
|
3/3/1974 |
TK981 |
Paris |
|
France |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
5/25/1979 |
191 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
1/13/1982 |
90 |
Washington |
D.C. |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
200 |
|
7/23/1983 |
143 |
Gimli |
Manitoba |
Canada |
Boeing |
767 |
233 |
|
8/12/1985 |
123 |
Gunma Prefecture |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
747 |
SR |
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
2/24/1989 |
811 |
Honolulu |
Hawaii |
United States |
Boeing |
747 |
122 |
|
7/19/1989 |
232 |
Sioux City |
Iowa |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
5/26/1991 |
NG004 |
Bangkok |
|
Thailand |
Boeing |
767 |
300ER |
|
12/27/1991 |
751 |
Gottröra |
|
Sweden |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-81 |
|
|
9/8/1994 |
427 |
Aliquippa |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
3B7 |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
9/2/1998 |
111 |
Peggy's Cove |
|
Nova Scotia |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-11 |
|
|
1/31/2000 |
261 |
Anacapa Island |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-83 |
|
|
8/24/2001 |
TSC236 |
Lajes |
Azores |
Portugal |
Airbus |
A330 |
243 |
|
11/6/2002 |
LG9642/LH2420 |
Luxembourg |
|
Luxembourg |
Fokker |
F27 Mk 050 |
|
|
8/14/2005 |
52 |
Hellas |
|
Greece |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
8/20/2007 |
120 |
Okinawa |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
737 |
800 |
|
1/17/2008 |
38 |
London |
|
England |
Boeing |
777 |
236ER |
Takeoff or landing runway excursions have historically been a factor in a number of high profile accidents. High energy departures from the end, or sides of a runway during takeoff or landing have, on numerous occasions, had catastrophic results. In response to runway excursion accidents, the industry has adopted new criteria both operationally, and in certification requirements, to mitigate the occurrence rate of runway excursions, and to alleviate the catastrophic effects should an excursion occur.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
4/27/1976 |
625 |
St. Thomas |
|
Virgin Islands |
Boeing |
727 |
95 |
|
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
3/1/1978 |
603 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
3/10/1989 |
1363 |
Dryden |
Ontario |
Canada |
Fokker |
28 |
|
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
12/8/2005 |
1248 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
700 |
|
8/27/2006 |
5191 |
Lexington |
Kentucky |
United States |
Bombardier |
CL-600-2B19 |
|
|
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
4/27/1976 |
625 |
St. Thomas |
|
Virgin Islands |
Boeing |
727 |
95 |
|
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
3/1/1978 |
603 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
3/10/1989 |
1363 |
Dryden |
Ontario |
Canada |
Fokker |
28 |
|
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
12/8/2005 |
1248 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
700 |
The purpose of Air Traffic Control (ATC) is to separate aircraft so they do not collide, and to move them efficiently through the airspace. Airline traffic is typically required to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and fly only assigned "airway routes," or over the ocean, "tracks". A collision occurs when two aircraft come into contact during flight or ground operation, often resulting in a catastrophic accident. Accidents included in this category have been the catalyst for advances in equipment and procedures that have resulted in reductions in the rates of collisions between airplanes.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
6/30/1956 |
2 |
Grand Canyon |
Arizona |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1049 Super Constellation |
|
|
6/30/1956 |
718 |
Grand Canyon |
Arizona |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-7 |
|
|
12/16/1960 |
826 |
Staten Island |
New York |
United States |
Douglas |
DC-8 |
|
|
12/16/1960 |
266 |
Staten Island |
New York |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1049 Super Constellation |
|
|
3/27/1977 |
4805 |
Tenerife |
Canary Islands |
Spain |
Boeing |
747 |
206B |
|
3/27/1977 |
1736 |
Tenerife |
Canary Islands |
Spain |
Boeing |
747 |
121 |
|
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
9/25/1978 |
182 |
San Diego |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
214 |
|
9/25/1978 |
|
San Diego |
California |
United States |
Cessna |
172 |
|
|
8/31/1986 |
498 |
Cerritos |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
8/31/1986 |
|
Cerritos |
California |
United States |
Piper |
PA-28-181 |
|
|
2/1/1991 |
1493 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
2/1/1991 |
5569 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner |
SA-277-AC |
|
|
7/1/2002 |
2937 |
Überlingen |
|
Germany |
Tupolev |
TU154M |
|
|
7/1/2002 |
611 |
Überlingen |
|
Germany |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
8/27/2006 |
5191 |
Lexington |
Kentucky |
United States |
Bombardier |
CL-600-2B19 |
|
Modern transport airplanes can fly at altitudes that are too high to sustain human life. For this reason, and for passenger comfort, airplanes are pressurized so the conditions inside the airplane generally remain at comfortable temperatures and at pressures below 8,000 feet, even when the airplane is flying as high as 51,000 feet. Loss of pressurization in flight presents different hazards depending on how quickly the loss occurs. Without pressurization, airplane occupants can suffer the physiological effects from the extreme cold temperatures as well as lack of oxygen, or hypoxia.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/3/1973 |
27 |
Albuquerque |
New Mexico |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
3/3/1974 |
TK981 |
Paris |
|
France |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
8/12/1985 |
123 |
Gunma Prefecture |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
747 |
SR |
|
2/24/1989 |
811 |
Honolulu |
Hawaii |
United States |
Boeing |
747 |
122 |
|
8/14/2005 |
52 |
Hellas |
|
Greece |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
In general terms, structural components are found to be adequately robust by a process that initially identifies the structural loading spectrum that the assembly, part, or surface will be expected to experience while in service. This includes the identification of the most severe, but none the less, expected loading conditions. Often, accidents involve the realization that either the original loading conditions are more severe than expected, or the capability of the component, structure, or system had deteriorated due to some unanticipated condition being present.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
5/2/1953 |
783 |
Calcutta |
|
India |
de Havilland |
DH-106 Comet |
|
|
1/10/1954 |
781 |
Elba |
|
Italy |
de Havilland |
DH-106 Comet |
|
|
4/8/1954 |
201 |
Naples |
|
Italy |
de Havilland |
DH-106 Comet |
|
|
9/29/1959 |
542 |
Buffalo |
Texas |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-188 Electra |
|
|
3/17/1960 |
710 |
Cannelton |
Indiana |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-188 Electra |
|
|
11/23/1962 |
297 |
Ellicott City |
Maryland |
United States |
Vickers-Armstrongs |
Viscount 745 |
|
|
3/5/1967 |
527 |
Marseilles |
Ohio |
United States |
Convair |
340 |
|
|
3/3/1974 |
TK981 |
Paris |
|
France |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
5/14/1977 |
|
Lusaka |
|
Zambia |
Boeing |
707 |
300 |
|
5/25/1979 |
191 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
8/12/1985 |
123 |
Gunma Prefecture |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
747 |
SR |
|
4/28/1988 |
243 |
Maui |
Hawaii |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
200 |
|
2/24/1989 |
811 |
Honolulu |
Hawaii |
United States |
Boeing |
747 |
122 |
|
9/11/1991 |
2574 |
Eagle Lake |
Texas |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
10/4/1992 |
1862 |
Amsterdam |
|
Netherlands |
Boeing |
747 |
200F |
|
8/21/1995 |
529 |
Carrollton |
Georgia |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
1/31/2000 |
261 |
Anacapa Island |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-83 |
|
|
7/25/2000 |
4590 |
Paris |
|
France |
Concorde |
|
|
|
11/12/2001 |
587 |
Belle Harbor |
NewYork |
United States |
Airbus |
A300 |
600 |
|
5/25/2002 |
CI611 |
Makung |
|
Penghu Island |
Boeing |
747 |
200 |
|
12/19/2005 |
|
Miami Beach |
Florida |
United States |
Grumman Turbo Mallard |
G-73T |
|
|
4/29/2013 |
National Airlines |
102 |
Bagram |
|
Afghanistan |
Boeing |
747 |
400 BCF |
The earliest reversing designs involved propeller blade angle control systems which were used as deceleration devices following landing, and were found to be very effective in assisting the airplane brakes in stopping. In contrast, the early turbojet thrust reverser systems were primarily used to help cancel the high idle thrusts of the early turbojet engines, but were not very effective at contributing significant reversing forces used in assisting braking action following landing. As the effectiveness of the reversing systems increased, so did the potential for the hazardous effects of their malfunctions.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
4/5/1991 |
2311 |
Brunswick |
Georgia |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120 |
|
|
5/26/1991 |
NG004 |
Bangkok |
|
Thailand |
Boeing |
767 |
300ER |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
11/6/2002 |
LG9642/LH2420 |
Luxembourg |
|
Luxembourg |
Fokker |
F27 Mk 050 |
|
When turbine engines were first introduced into commercial aviation in the mid 1950's, very little was known about the various failure modes that would soon be experienced involving failures of internal rotating engine parts. These failures often resulted in high energy debris that would penetrate the engine case and occasionally impact the airplane, causing significant damage. As failures continued, lessons were learned about methods needed to reduce the potential for the failures as well as steps that could be taken to protect the airplane.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/3/1973 |
27 |
Albuquerque |
New Mexico |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
11/12/1975 |
32 |
Jamaica |
New York |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
30 |
|
8/22/1985 |
KT28M |
Manchester |
|
England |
Boeing |
737 |
236 |
|
7/19/1989 |
232 |
Sioux City |
Iowa |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
7/6/1996 |
1288 |
Pensacola |
Florida |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-88 |
1288 |
|
11/4/2010 |
32 |
Batam Island |
|
Indonesia |
Airbus |
A380 |
842 |
Uncontrolled fire and smoke represents one of the most serious safety threats of all categories. An uncontrolled fire can threaten the airplane and safety of the occupants during ground or flight operations, or following a crash. The threat is related to both the flames and the corresponding heat and smoke, which can become so dense that vision is impaired. Many kinds of smoke also contain toxic gasses that can quickly lead to incapacitation and death. An uncontrolled fire is usually the result of an ignition source (such as electrical arcing) and a substantial or continuous source of fuel (such as aircraft fuel). The accidents included in this threat category represent some of the most significant in helping shape safety requirements and policies related to fire, heat, and smoke threats.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
6/23/1967 |
40 |
Blossburg |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
British Aircraft Corporation |
BAC 1-11 |
|
|
11/12/1975 |
32 |
Jamaica |
New York |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
30 |
|
3/1/1978 |
603 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
8/19/1980 |
163 |
Riyadh |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
10 |
|
6/2/1983 |
797 |
Covington |
Kentucky |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
8/22/1985 |
KT28M |
Manchester |
|
England |
Boeing |
737 |
236 |
|
11/28/1987 |
295 |
|
|
Mauritius |
Boeing |
747 |
244B |
|
5/11/1996 |
592 |
Everglades |
Florida |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
9/2/1998 |
111 |
Peggy's Cove |
|
Nova Scotia |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-11 |
|
|
7/25/2000 |
4590 |
Paris |
|
France |
Concorde |
|
|
|
8/20/2007 |
120 |
Okinawa |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
737 |
800 |
|
9/3/2010 |
6 |
Dubai |
|
United Arab Emirates |
Boeing |
747 |
44AF |
|
11/4/2010 |
32 |
Batam Island |
|
Indonesia |
Airbus |
A380 |
842 |
Windshear is an atmospheric phenomenon created by a sudden change in wind direction and speed, and can be associated with thunderstorm activity, or can be created by terrain or large buildings. An airplane is most vulnerable when close to the ground, such as during takeoff or landing. In the thunderstorm-related phenomenon, a "microburst" spreading downward and outward first manifests itself as a rapidly increasing headwind, and is sensed by the airplane as an increase in airspeed. The accidents discussed in this category were the catalysts for the development of currently existing windshear mitigation strategies.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
6/24/1975 |
66 |
Jamaica |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
225 |
|
8/2/1985 |
191 |
Dallas/Fort Worth |
Texas |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
Loss of Control (LOC) is a significant, unintended departure from a normal/expected trajectory, characterized by a transition from a stable condition into an unstable condition that precludes rapid recovery. LOC may result from airplane failures (icing contamination, flight controls, automated systems), incorrect piloting technique, or encounters with unexpected weather phenomena. LOC may also include ground events during takeoff and landing.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
10/4/1960 |
375 |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-188 Electra |
|
|
2/12/1963 |
705 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Boeing |
720B |
|
|
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
3/3/1974 |
TK981 |
Paris |
|
France |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
6/24/1975 |
66 |
Jamaica |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
225 |
|
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
5/25/1979 |
191 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
1/13/1982 |
90 |
Washington |
D.C. |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
200 |
|
8/2/1985 |
191 |
Dallas/Fort Worth |
Texas |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
8/12/1985 |
123 |
Gunma Prefecture |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
747 |
SR |
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
3/10/1989 |
1363 |
Dryden |
Ontario |
Canada |
Fokker |
28 |
|
|
7/19/1989 |
232 |
Sioux City |
Iowa |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
4/5/1991 |
2311 |
Brunswick |
Georgia |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120 |
|
|
5/26/1991 |
NG004 |
Bangkok |
|
Thailand |
Boeing |
767 |
300ER |
|
9/11/1991 |
2574 |
Eagle Lake |
Texas |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
12/27/1991 |
751 |
Gottröra |
|
Sweden |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-81 |
|
|
10/4/1992 |
1862 |
Amsterdam |
|
Netherlands |
Boeing |
747 |
200F |
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
4/26/1994 |
140 |
Nagoya |
|
Japan |
Airbus |
300B4-622R |
|
|
9/8/1994 |
427 |
Aliquippa |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
3B7 |
|
10/31/1994 |
4184 |
Roselawn |
Indiana |
United States |
Avions de Transport Regional |
72-212 |
|
|
2/6/1996 |
ALW301 |
Puerto Plata |
|
Dominican Republic |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
1/9/1997 |
3272 |
Monroe |
Michigan |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
8/7/1997 |
101 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-8 |
61 |
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
11/12/2001 |
587 |
Belle Harbor |
NewYork |
United States |
Airbus |
A300 |
600 |
|
11/6/2002 |
LG9642/LH2420 |
Luxembourg |
|
Luxembourg |
Fokker |
F27 Mk 050 |
|
|
12/16/2005 |
Miami Beach |
Florida |
United States |
Grumman Turbo Mallard |
G-73T |
|||
8/27/2006 |
5191 |
Lexington |
Kentucky |
United States |
Bombardier |
CL-600-2B19 |
|
|
2/12/2009 |
3407 |
Clarence Center |
New York |
United States |
Bombardier |
DHC-8-400 |
|
Controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) occurs when an airworthy aircraft is flown, under pilot control, into terrain (water or obstacles) with inadequate awareness on the part of the pilot of the impending collision.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
12/29/1972 |
401 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
12/1/1974 |
514 |
Mt. Weather |
Virginia |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
231 |
|
2/14/1990 |
605 |
Bangalore |
|
India |
Airbus |
A320 |
321 |
|
1/20/1992 |
IFT148 DA |
Strasbourg |
|
France |
Airbus |
A320 |
111 |
|
12/20/1995 |
965 |
Cali |
|
Colombia |
Boeing |
757 |
223 |
|
8/6/1997 |
801 |
Nimitz Hill |
|
Guam |
Boeing |
747 |
300 |
Approach and Landing accidents are accidents that occur during an approach, landing, or rejected landing maneuver. This group may also include accidents that occurred during a missed approach procedure. Approach and landing accidents have historically occurred at a significantly higher rate than takeoff accidents.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
11/11/1965 |
227 |
Salt Lake City |
Utah |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22 |
|
12/29/1972 |
401 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
12/1/1974 |
514 |
Mt. Weather |
Virginia |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
231 |
|
6/24/1975 |
66 |
Jamaica |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
225 |
|
4/27/1976 |
625 |
St. Thomas |
|
Virgin Islands |
Boeing |
727 |
95 |
|
5/14/1977 |
|
Lusaka |
|
Zambia |
Boeing |
707 |
300 |
|
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
9/25/1978 |
182 |
San Diego |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
214 |
|
9/25/1978 |
|
San Diego |
California |
United States |
Cessna |
172 |
|
|
7/23/1983 |
143 |
Gimli |
Manitoba |
Canada |
Boeing |
767 |
233 |
|
8/31/1986 |
498 |
Cerritos |
California |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
32 |
|
8/31/1986 |
|
Cerritos |
California |
United States |
Piper |
PA-28-181 |
|
|
12/28/1978 |
173 |
Portland |
Oregon |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-8 |
61 |
|
8/19/1980 |
163 |
Riyadh |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
10 |
|
8/2/1985 |
191 |
Dallas/Fort Worth |
Texas |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
5/24/1988 |
110 |
New Orleans |
Louisiana |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
1/8/1989 |
92 |
Kegworth |
Leicestershire |
England |
Boeing |
737 |
400 |
|
1/25/1990 |
52 |
Long Island |
New York |
United States |
Boeing |
707 |
321B |
|
2/14/1990 |
605 |
Bangalore |
|
India |
Airbus |
A320 |
321 |
|
2/1/1991 |
1493 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
2/1/1991 |
5569 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner |
SA-277-AC |
|
|
4/5/1991 |
2311 |
Brunswick |
Georgia |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120 |
|
|
5/26/1991 |
NG004 |
Bangkok |
|
Thailand |
Boeing |
767 |
300ER |
|
1/20/1992 |
IFT148 DA |
Strasbourg |
|
France |
Airbus |
A320 |
111 |
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
4/26/1994 |
140 |
Nagoya |
|
Japan |
Airbus |
300B4-622R |
|
|
9/8/1994 |
427 |
Aliquippa |
Pennsylvania |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
3B7 |
|
10/31/1994 |
4184 |
Roselawn |
Indiana |
United States |
Avions de Transport Regional |
72-212 |
|
|
12/20/1995 |
965 |
Cali |
|
Colombia |
Boeing |
757 |
223 |
|
8/6/1997 |
801 |
Nimitz Hill |
|
Guam |
Boeing |
747 |
300 |
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
11/6/2002 |
LG9642/LH2420 |
Luxembourg |
|
Luxembourg |
Fokker |
F27 Mk 050 |
|
|
12/8/2005 |
1248 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
700 |
|
8/20/2007 |
120 |
Okinawa |
|
Japan |
Boeing |
737 |
800 |
|
2/12/2009 |
3407 |
Clarence Center |
New York |
United States |
Bombardier |
DHC-8-400 |
|
Automation in airplane systems has provided a significant improvement in nearly every aspect of aviation safety. However, occasionally, gaps in the automation/human interface have resulted in accidents.
Date |
Operator |
Flight |
City |
State |
Country |
Make |
Model |
Series |
10/4/1960 |
375 |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-188 Electra |
|
|
1/18/1969 |
266 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
727 |
22C |
|
12/29/1972 |
401 |
Miami |
Florida |
United States |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
|
|
11/3/1973 |
27 |
Albuquerque |
New Mexico |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
10 |
|
3/3/1974 |
TK981 |
Paris |
|
France |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
2/11/1978 |
314 |
Cranbrook |
British Columbia |
Canada |
Boeing |
737 |
275 |
|
5/25/1979 |
191 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-10 |
|
|
8/19/1980 |
163 |
Riyadh |
|
Saudi Arabia |
Lockheed |
L-1011 |
10 |
|
8/16/1987 |
255 |
Detroit |
Michigan |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
DC-9 |
|
|
2/24/1989 |
811 |
Honolulu |
Hawaii |
United States |
Boeing |
747 |
122 |
|
2/14/1990 |
605 |
Bangalore |
|
India |
Airbus |
A320 |
321 |
|
2/1/1991 |
1493 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
2/1/1991 |
5569 |
Los Angeles |
California |
United States |
Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner |
SA-277-AC |
|
|
4/5/1991 |
2311 |
Brunswick |
Georgia |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120 |
|
|
5/26/1991 |
NG004 |
Bangkok |
|
Thailand |
Boeing |
767 |
300ER |
|
12/27/1991 |
751 |
Gottröra |
|
Sweden |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-81 |
|
|
1/20/1992 |
IFT148 DA |
Strasbourg |
|
France |
Airbus |
A320 |
111 |
|
9/13/1993 |
72 |
Papeete |
|
French Polynesia |
Boeing |
747 |
428B |
|
4/26/1994 |
140 |
Nagoya |
|
Japan |
Airbus |
300B4-622R |
|
|
10/31/1994 |
4184 |
Roselawn |
Indiana |
United States |
Avions de Transport Regional |
72-212 |
|
|
12/20/1995 |
965 |
Cali |
|
Colombia |
Boeing |
757 |
223 |
|
2/6/1996 |
ALW301 |
Puerto Plata |
|
Dominican Republic |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
7/6/1996 |
1288 |
Pensacola |
Florida |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-88 |
1288 |
|
10/31/1996 |
402 |
Sao Paulo |
|
Brazil |
Fokker |
100 |
|
|
1/9/1997 |
3272 |
Monroe |
Michigan |
United States |
Embraer |
EMB-120RT |
|
|
8/6/1997 |
801 |
Nimitz Hill |
|
Guam |
Boeing |
747 |
300 |
|
6/1/1999 |
1420 |
Little Rock |
Arkansas |
United States |
McDonnell Douglas |
MD-82 |
|
|
8/24/2001 |
TSC236 |
Lajes |
Azores |
Portugal |
Airbus |
A330 |
243 |
|
7/1/2002 |
2937 |
Überlingen |
|
Germany |
Tupolev |
TU154M |
|
|
7/1/2002 |
611 |
Überlingen |
|
Germany |
Boeing |
757 |
200 |
|
11/6/2002 |
LG9642/LH2420 |
Luxembourg |
|
Luxembourg |
Fokker |
F27 Mk 050 |
|
|
8/14/2005 |
52 |
Hellas |
|
Greece |
Boeing |
737 |
300 |
|
12/8/2005 |
1248 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
United States |
Boeing |
737 |
700 |