On November 15, 1987, a Douglas DC-9-31 (registration N8988E) operated by Eastern Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A fatigue fracture in the right upper thrust reverser drive link. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced a violent lurch while descending into Cleveland from 25,000 feet. The flight continued and landed without incident. Investigation revealed a fatigue fracture in the right upper thrust reverser drive link.
While the aircraft was descending into Cleveland from an altitude of 25,000 feet, the pilot experienced a sudden and violent lurch within the airframe. Despite this significant disturbance, the flight continued without further incident and landed safely.
An examination of the aircraft disclosed that the right upper thrust reverser drive link was broken. Further inspection of the drive link revealed a fatigue fracture as the cause of the failure.
A fatigue fracture in the right upper thrust reverser drive link.