FlightFinder
Casualties unknown

1993-04-06: Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 (B2171) — China Eastern Airlines — Shemya, AK

Shemya, AK, US

On April 6, 1993, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 (registration B2171) operated by China Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Shemya, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadvertent deployment of the slats was the result of an inadequately designed flap/slat handle that allowed the handle to be easily and inadvertently dislodged from the up/ret position, thereby causing slat extension. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

Flight 583 experienced an inadvertent leading edge slat deployment at 33,000 feet, resulting in violent pitch oscillations and a 5,000-foot altitude loss. The safety board attributed the incident to a design flaw in the flap/slat handle.

Incident Description

Flight 583 was cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet when the leading edge slats deployed inadvertently. The autopilot disconnected, and the captain assumed manual control of the aircraft. Subsequently, the airplane underwent several violent pitch oscillations and lost 5,000 feet of altitude before the situation was stabilized.

Investigation Findings

The safety board determined that the inadvertent deployment of the slats was the result of an inadequately designed flap/slat handle. The handle was found to be easily and inadvertently dislodged from the up/retracted position, which caused the slat extension. No other factors were cited in the determination of the cause.

Aftermath

Further details regarding the aircraft, operator, or occupants were not specified in the source material. The incident underscores the importance of design integrity in cockpit controls.

Probable cause

The inadvertent deployment of the slats was the result of an inadequately designed flap/slat handle that allowed the handle to be easily and inadvertently dislodged from the up/ret position, thereby causing slat extension.

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/20001211X12107. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.