Engine Over-acceleration and Gear Failure During Takeoff Roll

No fatalities • Kinston-Stallings Field, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft experienced an uncontrolled engine acceleration and subsequent nose gear failure during the takeoff roll, resulting in minor injuries.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the crew attempted to increase power, which caused the number one engine to accelerate past the target engine pressure ratio. To manage the resulting asymmetric thrust, the crew utilized nose wheel steering and eventually performed an engine shutdown by using the fuel shut-off lever. During the high-speed deceleration attempt, the nose wheels became detached from the landing gear assembly.

There were two passengers who sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Findings

An investigation into the engine malfunction determined that the fuel pump output spline, which connects to the fuel control, had stripped. This failure occurred while the fuel control was detecting an underspeed condition, leading the system to increase fuel flow. The root cause of the stripped spline was identified as misalignment of the spline shaft caused by improper machining during a recent modification of the pump.

Additionally, the separation of the nose gear was attributed to the failure of the inner cylinder. This component failed due to fatigue in a specific area that had been subjected to excessive grinding during a previous overhaul process.

Probable cause

Improper machining during a fuel pump modification caused a stripped spline, leading to uncontrolled engine acceleration and subsequent gear failure.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-07-22 Boeing 737-200 accident near Kinston-Stallings Field, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced an uncontrolled engine acceleration and subsequent nose gear failure during the takeoff roll, resulting in minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 1990-07-22 Boeing 737-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-07-22 involved a Boeing 737-200, registration N210US, operated by USAir - US Airways, at Kinston-Stallings Field, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Improper machining during a fuel pump modification caused a stripped spline, leading to uncontrolled engine acceleration and subsequent gear failure.

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