No fatalities

Engine Fire Warning Prompts Emergency Return and Evacuation (N545PS)

Las Vegas, NV, US

On January 20, 1986, a Boeing 727-214 (registration N545PS) operated by Skybus, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Las Vegas, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Short-circuit in fire warning system. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 727-214
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Following a second activation of No. 1 engine fire warning, the flight crew declared an emergency and returned. Fuel dump was observed as smoke trail. Evacuation via slides resulted in eight reported injuries. Short-circuit found.

Event

After activation of the No. 1 engine fire warning signals a second time, the flight crew declared an emergency and returned for landing. During the return, the aircraft conducted a fuel dump. Some ground observers observed the fuel dump as a smoke trail and reported this to the flight crew. An aircraft waiting for takeoff reported that no smoke or fire was visible, but noted the fuel dump was still in progress; this transmission was overridden by other communications.

Evacuation

After the aircraft came to a stop on the runway, an emergency evacuation via slides was initiated. Eight passengers sustained reported injuries during the evacuation.

Investigation

The fire warning activation was traced to a short-circuit in the system. The aircraft was repaired and subsequently returned to service.

Probable cause

Short-circuit in fire warning system

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Jan 1986 Boeing 727-214 accident near Las Vegas, NV?

Following a second activation of No. 1 engine fire warning, the flight crew declared an emergency and returned. Fuel dump was observed as smoke trail. Evacuation via slides resulted in eight reported injuries. Short-circuit found.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Jan 1986 Boeing 727-214 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Jan 1986 involved a Boeing 727-214, registration N545PS, operated by Skybus, Inc., at Las Vegas, NV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Short-circuit in fire warning system

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010110X00270. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.