On July 10, 1993, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-40 (registration N158US) was involved in an aviation accident near Detroit, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of a navigation system (#1 INS) for reason or reasons undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a climb through 20,000 feet, a failure in the number one inertial navigation system caused erroneous bank angle signals that moved the lower rudder hydraulic actuator.
What happened
While the aircraft was climbing through an altitude of 20,000 feet, a malfunction occurred within the number one inertial navigation system (INS). The gyroscope within this unit tumbled, causing its output to vary significantly. This tumbling produced a false bank angle signal that was subsequently transmitted to the yaw flight guidance computer.
The investigation
The failure mode of the INS allowed the erroneous bank angle information to reach the attitude monitoring and switching unit. In response to this incorrect data, the unit moved the lower rudder hydraulic actuator. This mechanical action caused the lower rudder to move unexpectedly during the climb phase.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 10 Jul 1993 Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-40 accident near Detroit, MI?
During a climb through 20,000 feet, a failure in the number one inertial navigation system caused erroneous bank angle signals that moved the lower rudder hydraulic actuator.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 10 Jul 1993 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-40, registration N158US, at Detroit, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the failure of a navigation system (#1 INS) for reason or reasons undetermined.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…