On January 27, 1986, a Boeing 747-123 (registration N9674) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The slides failed due to improper packing, maintenance, and improper parts. The smoke was caused by a leak from the #4 engine #3 bearing labyrinth seal due to the failure of the EVC controller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After departure, crew detected smoke in cabin and cockpit. Captain returned and ordered evacuation. Several emergency slides failed to deploy, causing passenger injuries. Smoke traced to engine seal leak due to EVC controller failure.
Incident Overview
Shortly after departure, the flight crew observed smoke in both the cabin and the cockpit. The captain declared an emergency and executed a return landing at the departure airport. Upon landing, the captain directed an emergency evacuation of the aircraft.
Evacuation and Slide Failures
During the evacuation, several emergency slides failed to deploy. As a result of the slide failures, several passengers sustained injuries. Investigation determined that the slides failed due to improper packing, improper maintenance, and the use of improper parts.
Source of Smoke
The smoke observed by the crew originated from the #4 engine's #3 bearing labyrinth seal. The seal leaked as a consequence of a failure of the Engine Vibration Controller (EVC).
Probable cause
The slides failed due to improper packing, maintenance, and improper parts. The smoke was caused by a leak from the #4 engine #3 bearing labyrinth seal due to the failure of the EVC controller.
What happened in the 27 Jan 1986 Boeing 747-123 accident near Miami, FL?
After departure, crew detected smoke in cabin and cockpit. Captain returned and ordered evacuation. Several emergency slides failed to deploy, causing passenger injuries. Smoke traced to engine seal leak due to EVC controller failure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jan 1986 involved a Boeing 747-123, registration N9674, at Miami, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The slides failed due to improper packing, maintenance, and improper parts. The smoke was caused by a leak from the #4 engine #3 bearing labyrinth seal due to the failure of the EVC controller.
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