No fatalities

Right Wing Tip Contact During Landing in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (N517PE)

Portland, ME, US

On October 15, 1986, a Boeing 727-200 (registration N517PE) was involved in an aviation accident near Portland, ME. No fatalities were reported. 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 727-200
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During an approach in instrument meteorological conditions, the PIC took control and rolled right to land, causing the right wing tip to contact the ground, damaging the leading edge device, trailing edge flap, wing tip, and static wick. No injuries occurred.

Incident Overview

During an approach conducted in instrument meteorological conditions, the copilot (CP) was flying the aircraft from the left seat while being observed by the pilot in command (PIC). The PIC noted the aircraft drifting to the left and observed the CP beginning a correction to the right. At that point, the PIC took control and rolled the aircraft to the right, landing the aircraft.

Damage

During the landing, the right wing tip made contact with the ground. The contact resulted in damage to the outboard right leading edge device, scraped the outboard right trailing edge flap, scraped the right wing tip, and damaged the right static wick. No fire or other damage occurred.

Crew Awareness

There were no injuries to any occupants. The crew members were not aware of the damage until notified by ground personnel at the gate.

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Oct 1986 Boeing 727-200 accident near Portland, ME?

During an approach in instrument meteorological conditions, the PIC took control and rolled right to land, causing the right wing tip to contact the ground, damaging the leading edge device, trailing edge flap, wing tip, and static wick. No injuries occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Oct 1986 Boeing 727-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Oct 1986 involved a Boeing 727-200, registration N517PE, at Portland, ME.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X35047. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.