On July 5, 1997, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-30 (registration N963N) operated by Northwest Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Flint, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An electrical short in the wiring of the left wingtip oscillating position light auto transformer and a failure of the system circuit breaker. 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.
During cruise, flight crew detected smoke from under the instrument panel glareshield, donned smoke goggles and oxygen masks, followed emergency checklists, and shut down generators, clearing smoke in about 4 minutes. The flight landed and passengers deplaned without incident. Investigation revealed burnt wiring and a charred position light switch due to a shorted autotransformer.
Incident Description
During cruise altitude, the captain and first officer observed smoke emanating from underneath the airplane's instrument panel glareshield. The flight crew promptly donned smoke goggles and oxygen masks and initiated the emergency checklist.
Crew Actions
As part of the emergency procedures, the crew shut down the generators. Following this action, the smoke dissipated from the cockpit within approximately 4 minutes. The flight continued to its destination and landed without further event. All passengers deplaned without incident.
Investigation Findings
Subsequent examination of the instrument panel area revealed burnt wiring and a charred position light switch. Further inspection determined that the left wingtip's oscillating position light autotransformer had shorted out. Additionally, the position light circuit breaker was found stuck in the closed position, preventing it from tripping during the fault.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Jul 1997 Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-30 accident near Flint, MI?
During cruise, flight crew detected smoke from under the instrument panel glareshield, donned smoke goggles and oxygen masks, followed emergency checklists, and shut down generators, clearing smoke in about 4 minutes. The flight landed and passengers deplaned without incident. Investigation revealed burnt wiring and…
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 1997 Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-30 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jul 1997 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-30, registration N963N, operated by Northwest Airlines, Inc., at Flint, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
An electrical short in the wiring of the left wingtip oscillating position light auto transformer and a failure of the system circuit breaker.
