1993-01-26: Fokker F-28 MK 1000 — Usair — Detroit, MI

Casualties unknown • Detroit, MI, US

Probable cause

IMPROPER LUBRICATION OF THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER GEARBOX BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. A FACTOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER'S INADEQUATE SERVICE PROCEDURE.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE CAPTAIN OBTAINED NO RESPONSE TO NOSE-UP STABILIZER TRIM DURING DESCENT. NORMAL NOSE-DOWN TRIM REMAINED OPERABLE; ALTERNATE TRIM WAS NOT ATTEMPTED. THE CREW REPORTED A JAMMED STABILIZER AND LANDED WITH NOSE-DOWN TRIM. DISASSEMBLY OF THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTROL UNIT SHOWED INADEQUATE LUBRICANT AND EXTENSIVE CORROSION IN A GEARBOX. THE AIRFRAME MANUFACTURER'S PROCEDURE FOR REPLENISHING THE GEARBOX LUBRICANT COULD RESULT IN UNDERSERVICING. THE OPERATOR OBSERVED A GEARBOX SERVICE INTERVAL WHICH WAS 250% OF THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATION.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-01-26 Fokker F-28 MK 1000 accident near Detroit, MI?

THE CAPTAIN OBTAINED NO RESPONSE TO NOSE-UP STABILIZER TRIM DURING DESCENT. NORMAL NOSE-DOWN TRIM REMAINED OPERABLE; ALTERNATE TRIM WAS NOT ATTEMPTED. THE CREW REPORTED A JAMMED STABILIZER AND LANDED WITH NOSE-DOWN TRIM. DISASSEMBLY OF THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTROL UNIT SHOWED INADEQUATE LUBRICANT AND EXTENSIVE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-01-26 involved a Fokker F-28 MK 1000, registration N452US, operated by Usair, at Detroit, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER LUBRICATION OF THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER GEARBOX BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. A FACTOR WAS THE MANUFACTURER'S INADEQUATE SERVICE PROCEDURE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11666. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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