On January 20, 1984, a Boeing 727-225A (registration N8852E) was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The separation of a fabricated metal plate, improperly installed as a replacement for the water separator access door, which damaged the number one fuel inspection plate and allowed fuel to dump overboard. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A rapid fuel quantity loss occurred during climb after a fabricated metal plate, replacing the water separator access door, separated in flight and damaged the fuel inspection plate.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a rapid loss of fuel quantity in the number one fuel tank while climbing to cruise altitude. The incident was traced to a maintenance error where the water separator access door had been replaced with a fabricated metal plate prior to the flight. During the climb, this unauthorized plate separated from its mounting point.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the separated metal plate inflicted significant damage to one of the number one fuel inspection plates. This structural compromise allowed fuel to dump overboard, leading to the rapid depletion of the tank's contents during the critical climb phase.
Findings
The primary factor was the installation of a non-standard fabricated metal plate in place of the proper water separator access door. The failure of this component in flight directly caused the damage to the fuel system inspection area.
Probable cause
The separation of a fabricated metal plate, improperly installed as a replacement for the water separator access door, which damaged the number one fuel inspection plate and allowed fuel to dump overboard.
What happened in the 20 Jan 1984 Boeing 727-225A accident near Tampa, FL?
A rapid fuel quantity loss occurred during climb after a fabricated metal plate, replacing the water separator access door, separated in flight and damaged the fuel inspection plate.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jan 1984 involved a Boeing 727-225A, registration N8852E, at Tampa, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The separation of a fabricated metal plate, improperly installed as a replacement for the water separator access door, which damaged the number one fuel inspection plate and allowed fuel to dump overboard.
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