FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Inadvertent Thrust Reverser Deployment During Descent (N860US)

Norfolk, VA, US

On August 17, 2000, a Fokker F-100 (registration N860US) was involved in an aviation accident near Norfolk, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the airplane's ground/flight switch and a malfunction of the thrust reverser deploy switch, which resulted in an in-flight thrust reverser deployment. 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

During descent, the flight crew experienced an inadvertent deployment of the left engine thrust reverser. They declared an emergency, diverted, and landed safely. Investigation revealed faults in the thrust reverser control system.

Incident Overview

During descent for landing, the flight crew experienced a temporary inadvertent deployment of the left engine thrust reverser. The flight crew declared an emergency and diverted to a nearby airport, where the airplane landed without further incident.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the thrust reverser control system revealed that if the thrust lever was moved aggressively to the aft stop, the left engine's thrust reverser switch could actuate. Additionally, faults were observed in the left main landing gear Ground/Flight (G/F) switch and the left engine thrust reverser deploy switch.

Corrective Actions

After the left main landing gear G/F switch and the thrust lever switchbox were replaced, the airplane's thrust reverser system tested "ok."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 2000 Fokker F-100 accident near Norfolk, VA?

During descent, the flight crew experienced an inadvertent deployment of the left engine thrust reverser. They declared an emergency, diverted, and landed safely. Investigation revealed faults in the thrust reverser control system.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Aug 2000 Fokker F-100 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 2000 involved a Fokker F-100, registration N860US, at Norfolk, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the airplane's ground/flight switch and a malfunction of the thrust reverser deploy switch, which resulted in an in-flight thrust reverser deployment.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21828. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.