On September 21, 1989, a Boeing 737-400 (registration N416US) operated by Usair was involved in an aviation accident near Flushing, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CAPTAIN'S FAILURE TO EXERCISE HIS COMMAND AUTHORITY IN A TIMELY MANNER TO REJECT THE TAKEOFF OR TAKE SUFFICIENT CONTROL TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF, WHICH WAS INITIATED WITH A MISTRIMMED RUDDER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 16 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff, the crew felt a drift right, used nosewheel tiller, then heard a bang and rumbling. The captain rejected takeoff but could not stop before exiting the runway and colliding with a wooden approach lighting pier, coming to rest partially submerged.
Accident Sequence
As the first officer began the takeoff roll, he felt the airplane drift to the right. The captain also noticed the drift and used the nosewheel tiller to help steer the aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the crew heard a loud bang followed by a continual rumbling noise. In response, the captain took over control and rejected the takeoff. However, the airplane was unable to stop before running off the end of the runway and colliding with a wooden approach lighting pier. The airplane came to rest partially submerged in water.
Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the rudder trim position was found to be 16 degrees, or full, left deflection of the rudder. The digital flight data recorder (DFDR) recorded this rudder trim position from engine start at the gate, indicating that the trim was set to full left deflection prior to the takeoff attempt.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Sept 1989 Boeing 737-400 accident near Flushing, NY?
During takeoff, the crew felt a drift right, used nosewheel tiller, then heard a bang and rumbling. The captain rejected takeoff but could not stop before exiting the runway and colliding with a wooden approach lighting pier, coming to rest partially submerged.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Sept 1989 involved a Boeing 737-400, registration N416US, operated by Usair, at Flushing, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE CAPTAIN'S FAILURE TO EXERCISE HIS COMMAND AUTHORITY IN A TIMELY MANNER TO REJECT THE TAKEOFF OR TAKE SUFFICIENT CONTROL TO CONTINUE THE TAKEOFF, WHICH WAS INITIATED WITH A MISTRIMMED RUDDER. ALSO CAUSAL WAS THE CAPTAIN'S FAILURE TO DETECT THE MISTRIMMED RUDDER BEFORE THE TAKEOFF WAS ATTEMPTED.
