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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 8, 1994 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD80 · N83873

Denver, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
July 8, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (142 uninjured)
Location
Denver, CO
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD80
Tail Number
N83873
Operator
Continental Airlines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
FTW94IA227

DURING LANDING ROLL, FOLLOWING AN UNEVENTFUL REVENUE PASSENGER FLIGHT, THE LANDING GEAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE. BRAKES WERE RELEASED AND REAPPLIED WITH NO EFFECT ON THE VIBRATION. INSPECTION OF THE LANDING GEAR REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR TORQUE LINK AND SHIMMY DAMPENER HAD FAILED AND THE GEAR HAD ROTATED 180 DEGREES SEPARATING BRAKE AND OTHER HYDRAULIC LINES. THIS IS THE FIFTH OCCURRENCE OF THIS TYPE ON MD80 SERIES AIRCRAFT AND THE THIRD OCCURRENCE ON RUNWAY 26R AT STAPLETON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DENVER, COLORADO.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE OF THE RIGHT MAIN LANDING GEAR TORQUE LINK ASSEMBLY AND SHIMMY DAMPENER FOR UNKNOWN REASONS.

Full Narrative

On July 8, 1994, at 1500 mountain daylight time, a McDonnell Douglas MD80, N83873, operating as Continental Airlines flight 789, sustained minor damage during landing roll at Stapleton International Airport, Denver, Colorado. The crew and passengers were not injured on this scheduled flight operating under 14 CFR Part 121 which originated at Houston Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. According to the crew, they conducted a visual approach to runway 26R and made a normal landing. During landing roll, upon brake application, a vibration occurred. The pilots stated that the brakes were released and reapplied with the vibration continuing until approaching a stop. Inspection revealed a failure of the right main landing gear torque link and shimmy dampener. The landing gear wheel assembly rotated 180 degrees separating hydraulic and pneumatic lines. In addition, both right main landing gear tires and the inboard right flap received damage. The attached chart provides information that this is the fifth recorded failure of this type on the MD80 series aircraft. The chart also provides information on the type of brake system installed, pertinent events of the operation, and flight data recorder information.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time15:00 MDT
Nearest AirportStapleton International (0nm)
Runway26R
Runway Length8599 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD80
Tail NumberN83873
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorContinental Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsP&W · JT8-9-217 · Turbojet · 20750
Seats145

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (142 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured142
Total142
Crew 1Age 59 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:01
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data