Fire destroys UPS McDonnell Douglas DC-8 after landing in Philadelphia

Casualties unknown • Philadelphia, PA, US

A United Parcel Service cargo flight ended in a post-landing fire at Philadelphia International Airport following a smoke indication in the cockpit.

What happened

On February 7, 2006, at approximately 23:59 EST, United Parcel Service Company flight 1307, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71F registered as N748UP, arrived at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The aircraft was operating an instrument flight rules cargo flight under 14 CFR Part 121 regulations.

During the flight, the crew received a smoke indication within the cockpit. Following the landing, the captain, first officer, and flight engineer evacuated the aircraft. At the time of the event, weather conditions were characterized by night visual conditions.

Following the evacuation, a fire broke out that resulted in 3 minor injuries to the flight crewmembers. The fire caused the destruction of the aircraft and most of the cargo.

Probable cause

A smoke indication in the cockpit led to an emergency landing, after which a fire destroyed the aircraft and much of its cargo.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-02-08 Douglas DC-8 accident near Philadelphia, PA?

A United Parcel Service cargo flight ended in a post-landing fire at Philadelphia International Airport following a smoke indication in the cockpit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-02-08 involved a Douglas DC-8, registration N748UP, operated by United Parcel Service CO, at Philadelphia, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A smoke indication in the cockpit led to an emergency landing, after which a fire destroyed the aircraft and much of its cargo.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060627X00840. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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