What happened
On the morning of the accident, Delta Air Lines flight DL1141 departed from Gate 15 at 08:30, bound for Dallas and Salt Lake City. After receiving instructions to taxi toward runway 18L, the aircraft was cleared for takeoff at 08:59. The initial portion of the takeoff proceeded normally until the aircraft reached a speed of 154 knots and a distance of 6017 feet along the runway.
As the aircraft rotated and the main landing gear lifted off the surface, the plane experienced violent rolling motions. This instability caused the right wingtip to strike the runway approximately 1033 feet after liftoff, which was followed by compressor surges in the engines. The aircraft continued its trajectory, striking an ILS localizer antenna array roughly 1000 feet beyond the runway threshold.
The aircraft remained airborne for about 400 feet following the antenna impact before crashing into the ground. After hitting the terrain, the plane crossed a depression and slid sideways, eventually stopping near the airport perimeter fence at a distance of 3200 feet from the end of the runway. During the slide, structural components separated from the airframe, and a fire ignited in the right wing area, quickly spreading to the rear right side of the aircraft. The accident resulted in 14 fatalities, including twelve passengers and two crew members. The aircraft was destroyed.
Findings
Investigations into the crash identified that the primary cause was inadequate cockpit discipline by the flight crew, which led to an attempt to take off without the wing flaps and slats being correctly configured. Additionally, the takeoff configuration warning system failed to notify the pilots of this error.
Further contributing factors included:
- Failure by the pilot in command regarding preflight planning and preparation.
- The flight crew's failure to follow established procedures and directives.
- Inadequate company management regarding operating procedures, manuals, and training following a period of rapid growth and merger.
- A failure of the takeoff configuration warning system to function as intended.
- Insufficient oversight and accountability from the FAA regarding carrier inspection processes and the correction of known deficiencies.