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Engine Fire During Second Start Attempt Triggers Unauthorized Evacuation (N714DA)

Dallas/ft.worth, TX, US

On October 26, 1985, a Lockheed L-1011-385-1 (registration N714DA) operated by Delta Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas/ft.worth, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Excessive start fuel introduced into combustors during the first aborted start or the second start. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a second engine start attempt after taxi out, an exhaust stack fire occurred. Passengers forced a flight attendant to open an exit, deploying the slide. Fifteen evacuated; one minor injury. Fire extinguished in 2 minutes. No damage found.

Incident Description

After taxi out, the flight crew initiated the first start of the No. 3 engine, but aborted it upon learning of a 15-minute delay before takeoff. During the second attempted start, excess fuel ignited in the combustors and exhaust stack, producing a fire. The responsible crew members did not order an evacuation, but panicked passengers compelled a flight attendant to open the left rear exit, which deployed the emergency slide.

Evacuation and Injuries

Fifteen passengers evacuated via the slide before order could be restored. One passenger sustained minor injuries when another passenger rolled over her at the bottom of the slide.

Fire Response

Airport firefighting crews extinguished the fire within two minutes.

Investigation

Inspection of the aircraft revealed no damage, and examination of the engine found no deficiencies. Investigators suspect that excessive start fuel was introduced into the combustors during either the first aborted start or the second start.

Probable cause

Excessive start fuel introduced into combustors during the first aborted start or the second start.
In-flight fire & smoke

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1985 Lockheed L-1011-385-1 accident near Dallas/ft.worth, TX?

During a second engine start attempt after taxi out, an exhaust stack fire occurred. Passengers forced a flight attendant to open an exit, deploying the slide. Fifteen evacuated; one minor injury. Fire extinguished in 2 minutes. No damage found.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Oct 1985 Lockheed L-1011-385-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1985 involved a Lockheed L-1011-385-1, registration N714DA, operated by Delta Airlines, Inc., at Dallas/ft.worth, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Excessive start fuel introduced into combustors during the first aborted start or the second start.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38022. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.