Casualties unknown

1998-05-18: Boeing 747-123 (N675UP) — Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, MN, US

On May 18, 1998, a Boeing 747-123 (registration N675UP) was involved in an aviation accident near Minneapolis, MN. 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; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data 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.

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.