On July 5, 1983, a Douglas DC-8 (registration N8091U) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A subsurface manufacturing defect in the number one engine's first stage compressor disc, which led to engine failure and an associated fire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A twin-engine aircraft experienced a No. 1 engine failure and subsequent fire shortly after takeoff during initial climb. The crew successfully extinguished the fire and returned to land safely.
What happened
Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was in the initial climb phase, the number one engine failed. This mechanical failure was immediately followed by an engine fire that erupted from the affected powerplant. The flight crew responded by discharging two fire bottles, which successfully extinguished the flames. Following this incident, the aircraft returned to the departure field and landed without further incident.
The investigation
An examination of the number one engine revealed that the first stage compressor disc had failed. The root cause of this failure was identified as a subsurface manufacturing defect within the component.
Probable cause
A subsurface manufacturing defect in the number one engine's first stage compressor disc, which led to engine failure and an associated fire.