On April 5, 2002, a Boeing 767-332ER (registration N1608) was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Company maintenance personnel inadequate maintenance inspection that resulted in the in-flight separation of the APU inspection doors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Boeing 767 experienced the separation of its auxiliary power unit doors during a climb through 15,000 feet, prompting an emergency return to Atlanta.
What happened
While climbing to its assigned cruise altitude, a Boeing 767-332ER experienced an in-flight separation of the auxiliary power unit (APU) doors. The captain reported that as the aircraft climbed through 15,000 feet and accelerated through 320 knots, a loud bang was heard. In response to the event, the pilot elected to reduce the airspeed to 270 knots and initiated a return to Atlanta. The aircraft landed in Atlanta with no injuries and without further incident.
The investigation
A review of maintenance records indicated that ground maintenance personnel had serviced the APU approximately one hour prior to the aircraft's departure. Upon examination of the airframe, investigators found that both APU doors were missing from their normally installed positions. An inspection of the APU door assembly was conducted, but the examination failed to disclose any mechanical problem with the door latching assemblies.
