No fatalities

False Fire Warning Prompts Emergency Evacuation; Two Passengers Seriously Injured (N743US)

Charleston, SC, US

On June 22, 1990, a Boeing 727-281 (registration N743US) operated by Usair was involved in an aviation accident near Charleston, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER UTILIZATION OF THE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 727-281
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a night descent, a false fire warning on engine two led to an emergency evacuation after landing. Two passengers were seriously injured during the evacuation.

Overview

A flight experienced a false fire warning during its descent at night, leading to an emergency evacuation on the runway after landing. The incident resulted in serious injuries to two passengers.

Incident Details

While passing through 10,000 feet MSL on the descent for a night landing, the number two engine fire warning light and bell activated. The flight crew completed all applicable checklist procedures, but the fire warning indications remained on. The captain decided to conduct an emergency evacuation on the runway after the airplane landed.

Evacuation and Injuries

During the evacuation, one passenger was knocked off the wing by another passenger who was overzealous and suffered serious injuries. In a separate incident, a passenger with two small children requested assistance from a flight attendant. While the flight attendant was seeking help, the passenger placed one child onto the evacuation slide without waiting for assistance. The child resisted and fell from the slide, also sustaining serious injuries.

Post-Flight Examination

A post-flight examination of the airplane revealed a faulty fire detection element on the number two engine. No evidence of an in-flight fire was observed.

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Jun 1990 Boeing 727-281 accident near Charleston, SC?

During a night descent, a false fire warning on engine two led to an emergency evacuation after landing. Two passengers were seriously injured during the evacuation.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Jun 1990 Boeing 727-281 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Jun 1990 involved a Boeing 727-281, registration N743US, operated by Usair, at Charleston, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER UTILIZATION OF THE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23320. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.