On May 31, 2002, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11F (registration N608FE) operated by Federal Express Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Seatac, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A short circuit within the R1 windshield anti-ice controller caused an uncontrollable and continuous application of power to the heating element, resulting in overheating and shattering of the windshield. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An MD-11F freighter's co-pilot windshield cracked and emitted flames on the ramp; investigation found a short circuit in the anti-ice controller caused uncontrolled heating.
Incident Description
An MD-11F freighter was parked on the ramp with electrical power applied while undergoing minor corrective maintenance. The crew was preparing for departure when the captain performed standard flow checks, ensuring that the windshield anti-ice was selected OFF and windshield defog was selected ON. During these checks, the co-pilot's forward windshield panel (R1) suddenly cracked. The crew observed flames emanating from the lower portion of the windshield. The captain immediately de-powered the aircraft, and the fire condition dissipated.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination of the R1 windshield anti-ice controller revealed shorts within the controller unit. When electrical power was applied, these shorts led to an uncontrollable and continuous application of power to the R1 windshield anti-ice heating element. This continuous power condition caused overheating of the heating element, which subsequently led to the shattering of the windshield while the aircraft was parked on the ramp with system power applied.
Probable cause
A short circuit within the R1 windshield anti-ice controller caused an uncontrollable and continuous application of power to the heating element, resulting in overheating and shattering of the windshield.
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