On December 6, 1982, a Boeing 727-225 (registration N8871Z) operated by Eastern Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the first stage compressor blade in the No. 2 engine, with evidence of previous foreign object damage at the fatigue origination site. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff roll, catastrophic failure of the No. 2 engine led to an aborted takeoff. Engine parts penetrated the casing, cowling, and aft fuselage, severing lines and causing foreign object damage to the No. 3 engine. No fire occurred; passengers deplaned normally.
Incident Overview
During the takeoff roll, a catastrophic failure of the No. 2 engine occurred. The takeoff was aborted, and the aircraft was stopped on the runway. Despite the severity of the failure, there was no fire. Engine parts penetrated the engine case and cowling, severing coil and hydraulic lines as well as electrical wiring. Fragments also penetrated the aft fuselage and caused foreign object damage (FOD) to the No. 3 engine. After the incident, the aircraft was taxied to the gate, where passengers deplaned normally.
Examination Findings
A subsequent examination of the failed No. 2 engine revealed a fatigue failure of the first stage compressor blade. Evidence of previous foreign object damage was found at the fatigue origination site.
Probable cause
Fatigue failure of the first stage compressor blade in the No. 2 engine, with evidence of previous foreign object damage at the fatigue origination site.
