On February 24, 1967, a Douglas DC-6 (registration N8224H) operated by Northeast Airlines - USA was involved in an aviation accident near New York, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue fracture of the fuselage and explosive decompression caused by an inadequate maintenance and inspection on part of the ground maintenance personnel. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During cruise at 15,500 feet over Holmdel, New Jersey, a panel detached from the fuselage, causing an explosive decompression that struck engine number three and detached its propeller. The crew executed an emergency descent and landed safely at New York Airport; all 14 occupants evacuated without injury, but the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.
Incident Overview
While cruising at an altitude of 15,500 feet over Holmdel, New Jersey, the aircraft experienced an explosive decompression of the cabin. A panel measuring 60 by 125 inches separated from the fuselage and struck the number three engine, causing the propeller to detach. The flight crew initiated an emergency descent and successfully completed an emergency landing at New York Airport. All 14 occupants were evacuated safely. The aircraft was subsequently declared damaged beyond repair.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that the probable cause of the incident was a fatigue fracture of the fuselage, leading to explosive decompression, which was attributed to inadequate maintenance and inspection by ground maintenance personnel. At the time of the decompression, the cabin was pressurized for an altitude of 2,500 feet while the aircraft was flying at 15,500 feet.