Casualties unknown

Aircraft Excursion After Touchdown Following Wind Shear Alert (N911TW)

Denver, CO, US

On May 28, 2005, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-82 (registration N911TW) operated by American Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the reason for the occurrence was not determined. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a visual approach, a wind shear alert sounded at 700-800 feet. The aircraft landed on the centerline but drifted right after nose wheel touchdown. Control inputs were ineffective, leading to a runway excursion. The crew maneuvered the aircraft back onto the runway. Examination found no anomalies; the cause was not determined.

Incident Details

The flight crew was cleared by air traffic control for a visual approach to a runway measuring 12,000 feet in length and 150 feet in width. On final approach at an altitude of 700-800 feet above ground level, an aural wind shear alert warning sounded, with no secondary system indications. The remainder of the approach was uneventful, and the approach was stabilized by 500 feet agl in visual meteorological conditions.

The aircraft touched down on the runway centerline at the 10,000-foot runway marker. Shortly after the nose wheel touched down, the aircraft began to drift to the right. The crew attempted to correct the right drift by applying full left rudder, left aileron, and differential braking; however, the inputs were described as "no help." Prior to the aircraft departing the runway surface, the crew applied both brakes to minimize speed during the excursion.

The flight crew then maneuvered the aircraft back onto the runway, and subsequently, the aircraft came to rest on the left side of the runway.

Aftermath and Examination

Examination of the aircraft by the manufacturer and the operator revealed no anomalies that were contributory to the accident. Per the manufacturer's recommendation, the nose landing gear assembly was removed and replaced. Three functional check flights were then accomplished with no anomalies noted.

Conclusion

The reason for the occurrence was not determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050603X00716. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.