Casualties unknown

Passenger Injured by Cabin Door During Deplaning (N142AA)

Dfw Airport, TX, US

On January 10, 1988, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10 (registration N142AA) was involved in an aviation accident near Dfw Airport, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE IL DOOR, WHICH CAUGHT THE PASSENGER BETWEEN IT AND THE BULKHEAD AS THE DOOR MOVED INWARD AND UPWARD. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A passenger sustained a fractured arm when a gate agent opened the forward cabin door from outside, catching the passenger between the door and bulkhead as he retrieved carry-on luggage.

Incident Overview

While deplaning, a passenger seated in the first row of the cabin was removing carry-on luggage from a compartment in the forward bulkhead, adjacent to the 1L entry door. Other passengers were exiting via the 2L door. None of the flight attendants were monitoring the forward (1L) door, which was not in compliance with company procedures.

Sequence of Events

Unexpectedly, a gate agent opened the 1L door from the outside. As the door moved inward and upward, the passenger's head and left shoulder became caught between the door and the forward bulkhead. The passenger was carried upward with the door and then fell to the cabin floor as the door reached fully open.

Injuries

The passenger sustained a fractured arm as a result of the incident.

Operational Context

The compartment from which the passenger was retrieving luggage was normally used by crew only, but was utilized in this case due to lack of other space.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X24905. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.