Event Description
While descending through 15,000 feet into Nassau, the flight crew shut down the No. 2 engine because of low oil pressure. The aircraft then turned back toward Miami. At 16,000 feet, the No. 3 engine flamed out, and three minutes later the No. 1 engine also flamed out. The aircraft began an uncontrolled descent without power from 13,000 feet. At about 10,000 feet, the flight crew announced that ditching was imminent. The No. 2 engine was successfully restarted at 4,000 feet, and the aircraft made a one-engine landing at Miami.
Maintenance Deficiency
Investigation revealed that all O-ring seals in the master chip detector assemblies in the engine lubrication system were missing. This absence caused oil leaks in all three engines. Proper procedures for removing, reinstalling, and inspecting the detectors for oil leaks were available. The foreman was aware that mechanics were not routinely replacing the O-ring seals. This accident was the ninth chip-detector-related occurrence since the procedures were revised in December 1981.
Regulatory Oversight
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was aware of problems with Eastern Air Lines (EAL) aircraft but did not assign special surveillance priority to address them.
Cabin Preparation and Passenger Challenges
Cabin attendants were not aware of the time available to prepare the cabin for ditching. Passengers experienced difficulty locating and donning life vests.