A-91-003
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: IMMEDIATELY REQUIRE A FLEET-WIDE INSPECTION OF ALL DC-9 TAILCONE ASSEMBLIES, AS OUTLINED IN THE DC-9 MAINTENANCE MANUAL "TAILCONE-MAINTENANCE PRACTICES" "53-50-3" "CODE 1" PAGES 201 THROUGH 208A AND THE MD-80 MAINTENANCE MANUAL "TAILCONE-MAINTENANCE PRACTICES" "53-50-3" PAGES 201 TO 221; REQUIRE DETAILED VISUAL EXAMINATION OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TAILCONE RELEASE HANDLES FOR BROKEN OR CRACKED SHAFTS AND FOR DAMAGE FROM CONTACT WITH THE LOCK CABLE BALL END FITTING (DOUGLAS PART NUMBER 492740); AND REQUIRE THAT DAMAGE HANDLES BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. (URGENT)
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to immediately order a fleet-wide inspection of all DC-9 and MD-80 tailcone assemblies, following specific maintenance manual instructions. The inspection must include a detailed visual check of interior and exterior tailcone release handles for broken or cracked shafts and damage from contact with the lock cable ball end fitting (part number 492740). Any damaged handles must be repaired or replaced.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Aug 2, 1991 |
| NTSB number | DCA91MA010AB |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).