No fatalities

Uncommanded Yaw Damper Kicks During Fire Warning Troubleshooting (N675UP)

Minneapolis, MN, US

On May 18, 1998, a Boeing 747-123 (registration N675UP) was involved in an aviation accident near Minneapolis, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the open shielding on the #2 VHF transceiver coax connector which resulted in electromagnetic interference with the yaw damper system. 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
Boeing 747-123
Photo: Tosaka / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During troubleshooting of a fire warning indication, crew experienced uncommanded yaw damper kicks. After turning off the upper yaw damper, kicks continued. Later inspection found an open shield at the #2 VHF coax connector near the yaw damper control box.

Incident Overview

While troubleshooting a fire warning indication with company maintenance control using the #2 VHF transceiver, the crew experienced several uncommanded 'kicks' of the yaw damper. The crew turned off the upper yaw damper, but did not turn off the lower yaw damper. They continued to experience 'kicks' although not as severe.

Flight and Landing

The flight departed and proceeded to Minneapolis, where it landed uneventfully.

Post-Incident Inspection

Inspection of the airplane after the incident revealed an open shield at the #2 VHF coax connector, which is located near the yaw damper control box. The connector was replaced and the airplane was returned to service.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1998 Boeing 747-123 accident near Minneapolis, MN?

During troubleshooting of a fire warning indication, crew experienced uncommanded yaw damper kicks. After turning off the upper yaw damper, kicks continued. Later inspection found an open shield at the #2 VHF coax connector near the yaw damper control box.

Were there any fatalities in the 18 May 1998 Boeing 747-123 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1998 involved a Boeing 747-123, registration N675UP, at Minneapolis, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the open shielding on the #2 VHF transceiver coax connector which resulted in electromagnetic interference with the yaw damper system.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09999. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.