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Casualties unknown

1990-01-02: Douglas DC-10 (N109AA) — American Airlines — Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, MD, US

On January 2, 1990, a Douglas DC-10 (registration N109AA) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Baltimore, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The No. 1 air conditioning module overheated and oil residue on it was the smoke source. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N109AA
Aircraft registered N109AA. Photo: G B_NZ / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During cruise, smoke entered the flight deck and cabin, leading to a diversion to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. After landing, an emergency evacuation was ordered. Overwing exits deployed rearward and were unusable. Investigation found an overheated air conditioning module with oil residue as the smoke source.

Incident Overview

During cruise flight, smoke entered the flight deck and cabin, prompting the flight to divert to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The aircraft landed safely and came to a stop on the runway.

Emergency Evacuation

The captain ordered an emergency evacuation of the aircraft. All emergency exits were used except for the overwing exits. When the overwing exits were deployed, they blew over the rear instead of over the front of the wing and were deemed unusable.

Post-Flight Examination

Examination of the aircraft revealed that the No. 1 air conditioning module had overheated. Oil residue was found on the module, which was identified as the source of the smoke.

Probable cause

The No. 1 air conditioning module overheated and oil residue on it was the smoke source.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22375. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.