Accident Overview
An airplane sustained substantial damage when it contacted the runway during an emergency nose gear up landing. The aircraft was evacuated via the emergency slides.
Pilot and Passenger Accounts
The captain stated that repeated radio requests to obtain stairs to deplane were denied due to unavailability. After receiving confirmation that the aircraft was all clear below for engine start and taxi, the taxi roll began. A slight bump was felt, which the captain described as compatible with a rough ramp area.
A passenger recalled that with engines running, it seemed to require a great deal of thrust to get the aircraft moving. The passenger heard hydraulics when brakes were released but found it unusual to use such thrust to move on a level ramp without a jet-way. The aircraft pulled straight ahead, and then two sharp jolts were felt.
Ground Personnel Statement
One ground personnel stated that there was no ground crew free at the time to flag out Flight 519, as they were busy with other flights. After flagging out another flight, they discovered the chocks lying on the ramp where Flight 519 had been sitting.
Materials Laboratory Examination
The NTSB Materials Laboratory report examined debris found at Springfield, including the spray deflector assembly and the left hand support assembly. The report noted that no other piece fractured from the center portion of the deflector assembly. A bench binocular microscope examination of the four fractured pieces revealed features typical of overstress separation in a casting. No evidence of a preexisting crack was found on the fractures.
Boeing Operations Bulletin
Subsequent to the accident, a Boeing Flight Operations Bulletin dated September 20, 2001, stated that its purpose was to clarify and broaden the scope to include possible damage to the nose landing gear spray deflector caused by taxiing over a chock, striking a taxiway light or other obstruction, or dropping the nosewheel into a pothole. The consequences of such operation may result in damage to the spray deflector that may prevent subsequent retraction or extension of the nose gear.