Casualties unknown

1985-10-19: Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-51 (N412EA) — Eastern Airlines — Tampa, FL

Tampa, FL, US

On October 19, 1985, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-51 (registration N412EA) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Combustion chamber outer case failure from low cycle fatigue propagating from a bolt hole on the rear flange, with nickel-cadmium plating present in the fatigue-cracked area, contrary to the repair manual prohibition. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after lift-off, the flight crew heard a loud noise and secured the #1 engine. Post-landing examination revealed the combustion chamber outer case failed due to low cycle fatigue from a rear flange bolt hole, with prohibited nickel-cadmium plating present.

Event Description

Shortly after lift-off, the flight crew heard a loud noise, described as similar to but louder than a tire blow-out, as the #1 engine failed. The crew secured the #1 engine, remained in the traffic pattern, and landed on the same runway.

Post-Landing Examination

After landing, an examination revealed that the combustion chamber outer case, part number 616315, had failed from low cycle fatigue. The fatigue had propagated from a bolt hole on the rear flange and progressed forward until it reached a critical length, at which point the remaining fracture was from tensile overload. Nickel-cadmium plating was found in the fatigue-cracked area.

Maintenance History

The case was last replated after it was modified, approximately 5,152 flight hours prior to the incident. The Pratt & Whitney engine repair manual, section 72-42-11, prohibits the nickel-cadmium plating of the front and rear case flange bolt holes.

Probable cause

Combustion chamber outer case failure from low cycle fatigue propagating from a bolt hole on the rear flange, with nickel-cadmium plating present in the fatigue-cracked area, contrary to the repair manual prohibition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38096. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.