What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the DC-9 experienced significant electrical issues characterized by numerous tripped circuit breakers. Due to these malfunctions, the flight crew requested permission to return to the airport.
During the landing rollout, the lead flight attendant and air traffic control personnel notified the flight crew that smoke was emanating from the left side of the aircraft. Following this report, the crew initiated an emergency evacuation on a taxiway.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed fire damage affecting the forward left areas of the fuselage, the cabin, and the forward cargo compartment. The most severe fire damage was located just aft of the electrical disconnect panel at fuselage station 237.
Investigators found that the drip shield, which is normally installed over the disconnect panel, was missing at the time of the accident. Bluish stains, identified as lavatory rinse fluid, were present on surfaces near the disconnect panel on N826AT. Similar staining had been observed on another AirTran DC-9.
An inspection of a connector from the disconnect panel revealed light-blue and turquoise-green deposits on internal surfaces, along with evidence of shorting between the connector pins. While the exact timing of the drip shield's removal could not be determined, its absence likely allowed lavatory fluid contamination of the electrical connectors.
Safety message
Following the event, AirTran updated its lavatory servicing procedures to ensure waste tanks are completely drained to prevent overflows. Boeing issued an alert service bulletin for DC-9 operators, recommending visual inspections of the FS 237 disconnect panel connectors for fluid contamination and the installation of drip shields. Additionally, Boeing issued a service letter emphasizing the necessity of properly sealing floor panels and following maintenance manual procedures for lavatory servicing.