No fatalities

Thrust Reverser Link Failure During Descent (N8988E)

Cleveland, OH, US

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. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

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.

What happened

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.

The investigation

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.

Probable cause

A fatigue fracture in the right upper thrust reverser drive link.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Nov 1987 Douglas DC-9-31 accident near Cleveland, OH?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Nov 1987 Douglas DC-9-31 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Nov 1987 involved a Douglas DC-9-31, registration N8988E, operated by Eastern Airlines, Inc., at Cleveland, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A fatigue fracture in the right upper thrust reverser drive link.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.