On May 31, 1990, a Douglas DC-9-31 (registration N8982E) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The AC cross tie relay had failed in the closed position, preventing either generator from being brought back online. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, a loud clunk preceded the failure of both generators. Crew used emergency power and returned safely. Investigation found the AC cross tie relay had failed closed, preventing generator reset.
Incident Sequence
Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew heard a loud 'clunk' noise. Immediately afterward, the right generator dropped offline. The crew attempted to reset the right generator, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Subsequently, the left generator also fell offline. An attempt to reset the left generator similarly failed. The crew then selected emergency power and returned to the airport, where they performed an uneventful landing.
Examination Findings
Following the incident, an examination of the electrical system revealed that the AC cross tie relay had failed in the 'closed' position. This condition prevented either generator from being brought back online. Both generators and their associated components were examined thoroughly, and no evidence of malfunction or failure was observed in those components. The relay failure was determined to be the root cause of the inability to restore generator operation.
Probable cause
The AC cross tie relay had failed in the closed position, preventing either generator from being brought back online.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 May 1990 Douglas DC-9-31 accident near Atlanta, GA?
After takeoff, a loud clunk preceded the failure of both generators. Crew used emergency power and returned safely. Investigation found the AC cross tie relay had failed closed, preventing generator reset.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 May 1990 Douglas DC-9-31 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 May 1990 involved a Douglas DC-9-31, registration N8982E, at Atlanta, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The AC cross tie relay had failed in the closed position, preventing either generator from being brought back online.
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