No fatalities

Continental MD-80 Diverts to Birmingham After Electrical Fire (N69826)

Birmingham, AL, US

On October 1, 2000, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-80 (registration N69826) operated by Continental Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Birmingham, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF MAINTENACE PERSONNEL TO FOLLOW FLEET CAMPAIGN DIRECTIVE ON HOW TO INSTALL A CERTIFICATE HOLDER. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N69826
Aircraft registered N69826. Photo: Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Continental Airlines MD-80 experienced an electrical fire at flight level 310, prompting an emergency diversion to Birmingham, Alabama, where it landed safely.

What happened

The aircraft was operating in cruise flight conditions at flight level 310 when an electrical fire occurred onboard. The crew declared an emergency and initiated a diversion to Birmingham, Alabama. The flight proceeded without further incident and landed safely.

The investigation

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed specific damage consistent with an electrical fire. Inspectors identified a fire-damaged hole measuring 2 by 1 1/2 inches located in the left jump seat wall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Oct 2000 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-80 accident near Birmingham, AL?

A Continental Airlines MD-80 experienced an electrical fire at flight level 310, prompting an emergency diversion to Birmingham, Alabama, where it landed safely.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Oct 2000 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-80 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Oct 2000 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-80, registration N69826, operated by Continental Airlines, at Birmingham, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF MAINTENACE PERSONNEL TO FOLLOW FLEET CAMPAIGN DIRECTIVE ON HOW TO INSTALL A CERTIFICATE HOLDER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22103. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.