Casualties unknown

Soft Body Impact Damage Found After Partial Power Loss During Takeoff (N753RA)

Detroit, MI, US

On March 14, 1997, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-87 (registration N753RA) operated by Reno Air was involved in an aviation accident near Detroit, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the captains failure to have the airplane deiced prior to takeoff which resulted in ice ingestion into both engines. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced partial power loss on both engines during takeoff and returned safely. Post-accident examination revealed soft body impact damage to compressor fan blades. The aircraft had been exposed to sub-zero temperatures and rain.

Incident Overview

An airplane experienced a partial loss of power on both engines during takeoff. The flight crew returned the aircraft to the departure airport and landed without further incident. No injuries or damage beyond the engine findings were reported.

Post-Accident Examination

After the incident, investigators examined the engines and found that the compressor fan blades on both engines had sustained soft body impact damage. The nature of the damage suggests contact with a pliable substance, though the specific material was not identified in the investigation report.

Background Conditions

The airplane had been operated on a previous flight during which it was subjected to sub-zero temperatures. Following that flight, the aircraft landed with the wing tanks almost full. It remained on the ground for approximately two and a half hours before the accident takeoff. During this ground period, rain was falling.

Crew Observations

Both the captain and the first officer conducted a preflight inspection prior to the accident takeoff. They reported that there were no signs of ice on the wings during their early morning walk-around. No other anomalies were noted by the crew before departure.

Operational Context

The flight crew performed the takeoff under normal procedures until the partial power loss occurred. The decision to return was made promptly, and the landing was executed without incident. The exact sequence of events leading to the power loss was not specified in the source.

Investigation Findings

Investigators did not determine a definitive cause for the power loss. The soft body impact damage was documented, but no direct causal link to the power interruption was established in the source. The aircraft was not identified by type or registration in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07495. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.