On May 9, 1988, a Boeing 747-136 (registration GAWND) operated by British Airways was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A history of flap track cracking problems associated with stress corrosion and design inadequacy, with inadequate airworthiness directives and service bulletins in methodology and periodicity to ensure crack detection, and lacking inspection requirements for… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During final approach to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a structural failure of the number three flap track caused substantial damage to the left wing and flap assembly. The pilot regained control and landed safely. Investigation revealed a history of cracking due to stress corrosion and design inadequacy.
Incident Details
An aircraft was on final approach to Chicago O'Hare International Airport when a structural failure of the number three flap track occurred. The pilot experienced significant uncommanded roll and yaw but regained control of the aircraft and executed an uneventful landing.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing, left inboard flap assembly, left inboard spoilers, and the spoiler support beam.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed a history of flap track cracking problems associated with stress corrosion and design inadequacy. A design change of the member was accomplished in 1971 by the manufacturer, but flap tracks of the earlier design were allowed to remain in service on 239 aircraft. The airworthiness directives and service bulletins applicable to this particular structural member were found to be not adequate in methodology and periodicity to ensure crack detection, and they do not require inspection for the cause of the crack-corrosion pits.
Probable cause
A history of flap track cracking problems associated with stress corrosion and design inadequacy, with inadequate airworthiness directives and service bulletins in methodology and periodicity to ensure crack detection, and lacking inspection requirements for corrosion pits.
What happened in the 9 May 1988 Boeing 747-136 accident near Chicago, IL?
During final approach to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a structural failure of the number three flap track caused substantial damage to the left wing and flap assembly. The pilot regained control and landed safely. Investigation revealed a history of cracking due to stress corrosion and design inadequacy.
Were there any fatalities in the 9 May 1988 Boeing 747-136 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 May 1988 involved a Boeing 747-136, registration GAWND, operated by British Airways, at Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A history of flap track cracking problems associated with stress corrosion and design inadequacy, with inadequate airworthiness directives and service bulletins in methodology and periodicity to ensure crack detection, and lacking inspection requirements for corrosion pits.
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