Hydraulic failure and runway overrun involving aircraft during approach

No fatalities • Tucson, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a wheel well fire and total hydraulic system failure during its approach, leading to a runway excursion and collision with a structure.

What happened

While performing an approach, a fire broke out within the wheel well of the aircraft. This fire caused significant damage to the hydraulic lines, resulting in the complete loss of the standby, A, and B hydraulic systems. To manage the emergency, the crew utilized the manual reversion flight control system to complete the landing.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft encountered further complications due to the failure of check valves within the backup hydraulic accumulator pressure systems. These failures specifically affected the inboard pair of wheel brakes as well as the #2 thrust reverser. Consequently, the aircraft was unable to decelerate effectively on the runway. During a two-minute rollout, the plane traveled 14,000 feet, eventually overrunning the end of the runway and striking a concrete structure. The impact caused the nose gear to collapse.

Findings

The investigation revealed that during a recent 'C' check, maintenance personnel failed to identify an electrical wire that was chafing against a hydraulic line. During the flight in question, this energized wire arced, puncturing the line and igniting the escaping hydraulic fluid. Additionally, it was determined that mechanical wear had caused the failure of the hydraulic check valves in the backup systems. The manufacturer's instructions regarding the maintenance of these specific hydraulic components were also noted as an inadequate factor.

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel failed to detect a chafing electrical wire that eventually arced and ignited hydraulic fluid, compounded by worn check valves that prevented effective braking.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-12-30 Boeing 737-200 accident near Tucson, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a wheel well fire and total hydraulic system failure during its approach, leading to a runway excursion and collision with a structure.

Were there any fatalities in the 1989-12-30 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-12-30 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration N198AW, operated by America West Airlines, at Tucson, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Maintenance personnel failed to detect a chafing electrical wire that eventually arced and ignited hydraulic fluid, compounded by worn check valves that prevented effective braking.

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