The National Transportation Safety Board has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to require revised operational procedures for MD-80 series aircraft landings on contaminated runways.
Safety recommendation
The National Transportation Safety Board has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to require revised operational procedures for MD-80 series aircraft landings on contaminated runways.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a formal safety recommendation, designated as A-16-022 and referenced under investigation number DCA15FA085. This directive is addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration and focuses on specific operational protocols for MD-80 series airplanes. The core of the recommendation requires operators to revise their existing operational procedures to include a mandatory callout. This callout must be triggered when reverse thrust power exceeds 1.3 engine pressure ratio during landings conducted on contaminated runways. The NTSB identifies this procedural adjustment as necessary to enhance safety margins during critical phases of flight where runway conditions may be compromised. By mandating this specific threshold alert, the agency aims to ensure that flight crews are immediately aware of excessive reverse thrust application in environments where traction and braking efficiency are already reduced. This recommendation underscores the importance of standardized communication within the cockpit when managing engine power settings under adverse weather or surface conditions.