A B767-200 loses the overwing slide from the aircraft after takeoff from ATL. The slide falls from the aircraft at an altitude of 12000-14000 feet.

Narrative

Rewritten in plain English from NASA’s original all-caps telegraphic report — facts, figures, and terminology preserved.

Flight uneventful until 12000 feet on climbout. Felt an unusual 'bump,' followed by a 'left wing slide' advisory message and an 'emergency door' light on overhead fault identification panel. Airspeed 250 knots. Leveled off at 14000 feet. Pilots' operational reference manual was referenced, and we coordinated an inspection of left overwing area with flight attendants. All appeared normal. ZTL cooperated and we coordinated a return to ATL after conferring with dispatcher and maintenance. Normal descent, approach, and landing.

Postflight inspection revealed a missing left slide door and slide and some damage to left wing fillet area. Callback conversation with reporter revealed the following info: reporter stated that the flight departed ATL and headed west to MSY. Passing through 12000 feet, a bump was felt but no loud noises. The left wing slide light came on. It was surmised that was the time the slide departed the aircraft. The flight lead crew tried looking out the cabin window to verify what the warning light was indicating, but the door panel is too close to the fuselage nearby the wing root to permit observation.

Upon landing, the aircraft was inspected and no other damage was found, except for the missing slide door and the slide which came loose. Upon close inspection, it was discovered by mechanics that a locking cam seemed to be worn. This is thought to be the reason the door came off, permitting the slide to then vibrate loose and free fall to the ground. Reporter was very complimentary of ZTL for the rapid vectors to return to point of departure.