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NTSB Report
August 2, 1992 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11 · N803DE
Los Angeles, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
August 2, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (149 uninjured)
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD-11
Tail Number
N803DE
Operator
Delta Air Lines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
ATL92IA151
THE FLIGHT CREW WAS PERFORMING A NORMAL LANDING (MANUAL THROTTLES/AUTO GROUND SPOILER). THEY REPORTED THAT AFTER THE MAIN GEAR HAD TOUCHED DOWN, THE NOSE PITCHED UP 'VIOLENTLY'. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT TAIL SCRAPED THE RUNWAY SURFACE. DFDR DATA INDICATED THAT AFTER MAIN GEAR TOUCHDOWN, THE NOSE WAS LOWERED AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE, FOLLOWED BY LARGE, AFT YOKE INPUT TO ARREST THE RATE OF NOSE SINK. THE NOSE GEAR CONTACTED THE RUNWAY WHILE THE AFT YOKE INPUT WAS MAINTAINED, AND THE GROUND SPOILERS EXTENDED TO 60 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT WITH THIS SCENARIO, A PITCH UP OF THE NOSE WOULD OCCUR.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S IMPROPER USE OF THE AIRCRAFT FLIGHT CONTROLS (ELEVATOR) DURING THE LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT TAIL CONTACTING THE RUNWAY SURFACE.
Full Narrative
THE FLIGHT CREW WAS PERFORMING A NORMAL LANDING (MANUAL THROTTLES/AUTO GROUND SPOILER). THEY REPORTED THAT AFTER THE MAIN GEAR HAD TOUCHED DOWN, THE NOSE PITCHED UP 'VIOLENTLY'. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE AIRCRAFT TAIL SCRAPED THE RUNWAY SURFACE. DFDR DATA INDICATED THAT AFTER MAIN GEAR TOUCHDOWN, THE NOSE WAS LOWERED AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE, FOLLOWED BY LARGE, AFT YOKE INPUT TO ARREST THE RATE OF NOSE SINK. THE NOSE GEAR CONTACTED THE RUNWAY WHILE THE AFT YOKE INPUT WAS MAINTAINED, AND THE GROUND SPOILERS EXTENDED TO 60 DEGREES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT WITH THIS SCENARIO, A PITCH UP OF THE NOSE WOULD OCCUR.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time14:34 PDT
Nearest AirportLos Angeles Intl (0nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length12091 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD-11
Tail NumberN803DE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorDelta Air Lines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines3
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGe · CF6-80C2 · Turbofan · 61500
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (149 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured149
Total149
Crew 1Age 55 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 14 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:50
Weather SourceWFAC