Casualties unknown

Translating Cowl Separates During Landing, Debris Struck by Following Aircraft (N16982)

Newark, NJ, US

On December 7, 1993, an Airbus Industrie A-300 (registration N16982) operated by Continental Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper bonding of a joint during a repair, which separated during thrust reverser deployment, leading to translating cowl failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During the landing roll, the number two engine's translating cowl separated after thrust reverser deployment. Debris on the runway was hit by a Beech 100, which received minor damage.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, the pilot deployed the thrust reversers on both engines. The translating cowl of the number two engine separated from the engine, and the parts fell to the runway. The separation occurred while the aircraft was still on the runway.

Examination Findings

Examination of the translating cowl components revealed that a joint had been improperly bonded during a repair. This joint separated during the deployment of the reverser unit, and consequently the translating cowl assembly failed.

Secondary Impact

A different aircraft, a Business Express Beech 100 bearing registration N7203C, was landing when it struck the debris left on the runway. The Beech 100 sustained minor damage from the impact.

Probable cause

Improper bonding of a joint during a repair, which separated during thrust reverser deployment, leading to translating cowl failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13905. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.