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NTSB Report
February 17, 2000 · Douglas DC-8-71F · N8079U
Rancho Cordova, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 17, 2000
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Location
Rancho Cordova, CA
Aircraft
Douglas DC-8-71F
Tail Number
N8079U
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
DCA00MA026
The Board's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm. On February 16, 2000, about 1951 Pacific standard time, Emery Worldwide Airlines, Inc., (Emery) flight 17, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71F (DC-8), N8079U, crashed in an automobile salvage yard shortly after takeoff, while attempting to return to Sacramento Mather Airport (MHR), Rancho Cordova, California, for an emergency landing. Emery flight 17 was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 121 as a cargo flight from MHR to James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY), Dayton, Ohio. The flight departed MHR about 1949, with two pilots and a flight engineer on board. The three flight crewmembers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
NTSB Probable Cause
A loss of pitch control resulting from the disconnection of the right elevator control tab. The disconnection was caused by the failure to properly secure and inspect the attachment bolt.
Full Narrative
The Board's full report is available at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/publictn.htm. On February 16, 2000, about 1951 Pacific standard time, Emery Worldwide Airlines, Inc., (Emery) flight 17, a McDonnell Douglas DC-8-71F (DC-8), N8079U, crashed in an automobile salvage yard shortly after takeoff, while attempting to return to Sacramento Mather Airport (MHR), Rancho Cordova, California, for an emergency landing. Emery flight 17 was operating under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 121 as a cargo flight from MHR to James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY), Dayton, Ohio. The flight departed MHR about 1949, with two pilots and a flight engineer on board. The three flight crewmembers were killed, and the airplane was destroyed. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:51 PST
Nearest AirportSacramento Mather Airport (2nm)
Runway22L
Runway Length11301 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft
AircraftDouglas DC-8-71F
Tail NumberN8079U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 121
Engines4
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsCfm International · CFM56-2-C1 · Turbofan · 22000
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 fatalities)
Fatal3
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class · Fatal
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 7000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 45 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time03:50
Weather SourceWFAC