No fatalities

Unwarranted Evacuation During Taxi After APU Fire Incident (N74317)

New York City, NY, US

On September 10, 1990, a Boeing 727-231 (registration N74317) operated by Trans World Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near New York City, NY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE EXHAUST PIPE FIRE IN THE APU WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNAUTHORIZED EVACUATION OF THE AIRPLANE BY THE PASSENGERS. 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
Aircraft registered N74317
Aircraft registered N74317. Photo: G B_NZ / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After landing, an APU fire caused flames near the right wing. A passenger opened an emergency exit while the aircraft was moving, triggering an unwarranted evacuation with passengers on the wing and opening doors.

Incident Details

Following landing, the flight crew attempted to start the auxiliary power unit (APU) during taxi to the gate. The APU torched, and flames emerged near the right wing of the aircraft. A passenger seated near a window observed the fire and shouted a warning.

Evacuation

A passenger seated on the left side of the airplane near the over-wing emergency exit opened the exit and initiated an unwarranted evacuation while the aircraft was still moving. The cabin and flight crew attempted to restore order, but many passengers had already exited onto the wing and were opening other doors. A flight attendant then activated the evacuation alarm, and the flight crew brought the airplane to a stop.

Aftermath

The airplane was completely evacuated by the passengers before being towed to the gate. No further details on injuries, damage, or aircraft specifics were provided in the source.

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Sept 1990 Boeing 727-231 accident near New York City, NY?

After landing, an APU fire caused flames near the right wing. A passenger opened an emergency exit while the aircraft was moving, triggering an unwarranted evacuation with passengers on the wing and opening doors.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Sept 1990 Boeing 727-231 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Sept 1990 involved a Boeing 727-231, registration N74317, operated by Trans World Airlines, at New York City, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE EXHAUST PIPE FIRE IN THE APU WHICH RESULTED IN AN UNAUTHORIZED EVACUATION OF THE AIRPLANE BY THE PASSENGERS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24351. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.