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Captain Incapacitated by Decompression Sickness After Flight Continues Without Pressurization; Emergency Exit Later Found Unsecured (N817CK)

Covington, KY, US

On March 15, 1994, a Douglas DC-8-61 (registration N817CK) was involved in an aviation accident near Covington, KY. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CAPTAIN'S IMPROPER DECISION TO CONDUCT FLIGHT AT HIGH ALTITUDE IN AN UNPRESSURIZED AIRPLANE, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS INCAPACITION FROM DEPRESSURIZATION SICKNESS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a climbout, the flight crew could not pressurize the airplane. Despite objections, the captain proceeded. After leveling at FL330, the captain suffered decompression sickness. The first officer diverted to Covington, KY. Post-flight, an emergency exit door was found inside, improperly fitting and latches not engaging.

Maintenance and Preflight

During an en route stop, company maintenance personnel opened the forward overwing emergency exit to access a navigation light for repair. During the subsequent preflight inspection, the flight engineer observed that the emergency exit appeared to be in place but did not physically examine the exits or their latches.

Pressurization Failure and Captain's Decision

During climbout, the flight crew found they were unable to pressurize the airplane. Despite objections from other crew members, the captain decided to continue the flight. The crew donned their oxygen masks and continued the climb to a cruise altitude of FL330.

Captain Incapacitation and Diversion

Shortly after leveling off at FL330, the captain became incapacitated due to decompression sickness. The first officer assumed command and diverted the flight for an emergency landing at Covington, Kentucky.

Post-Flight Findings

After the flight, the emergency exit door was found lying inside the airplane. An inspection revealed that the exit door could not be properly fitted into its frame, and the door latches would not engage the latch plates on the frame, even when the handle was moved to the locked position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 1994 Douglas DC-8-61 accident near Covington, KY?

During a climbout, the flight crew could not pressurize the airplane. Despite objections, the captain proceeded. After leveling at FL330, the captain suffered decompression sickness. The first officer diverted to Covington, KY. Post-flight, an emergency exit door was found inside, improperly fitting and latches not…

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Mar 1994 Douglas DC-8-61 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 1994 involved a Douglas DC-8-61, registration N817CK, at Covington, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE CAPTAIN'S IMPROPER DECISION TO CONDUCT FLIGHT AT HIGH ALTITUDE IN AN UNPRESSURIZED AIRPLANE, WHICH RESULTED IN HIS INCAPACITION FROM DEPRESSURIZATION SICKNESS. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE THE EMERGENCY EXIT DOOR AFTER IT WAS REMOVED TO PERFORM MAINTENANCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.