No fatalities

Passengers Evacuate After Flames Seen From Engine During APU Start (N722AA)

Chicago, IL, US

On April 20, 1998, a Boeing 727-227 (registration N722AA) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the passenger initiated evacuation of the airplane. A factor was the auxiliary power unit fire. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 727-227
Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During auxiliary power unit startup, flames appeared from the right engine, prompting a passenger-initiated evacuation. A child suffered a broken arm and two others minor injuries when jumping from the wing.

Incident Overview

During the process of starting the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), passengers observed flames emanating from the right engine of the aircraft. A passenger was heard screaming "Fire," which triggered an uncommanded evacuation initiated by the passengers themselves.

Crew and Passenger Actions

The captain attempted to calm the situation by making a public address announcement to the passengers. Despite this, passengers proceeded to evacuate the aircraft using the over-wing exit, the rear airstair door, and the main entry door onto the jet bridge.

Injuries

As a result of the evacuation, a ten-year-old boy sustained a broken arm. Additionally, two other passengers received minor injuries to their legs and ankles after jumping off the wing.

All Boeing 727-200 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 1998 Boeing 727-227 accident near Chicago, IL?

During auxiliary power unit startup, flames appeared from the right engine, prompting a passenger-initiated evacuation. A child suffered a broken arm and two others minor injuries when jumping from the wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 1998 Boeing 727-227 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 1998 involved a Boeing 727-227, registration N722AA, at Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the passenger initiated evacuation of the airplane. A factor was the auxiliary power unit fire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09821. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.