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NTSB Report
February 21, 1989 · Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32 · N1289L
Houston, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Incident
Date
February 21, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 47 uninjured
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32
Tail Number
N1289L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
FTW89IA053
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE LEFT ENGINE FAILED AND THE AIRPLANE WAS LANDED BACK ON THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. AFTER TURNING OFF ON A TAXIWAY, THE TOWER TOLD THE CREW THAT THE LEFT ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CREW USED THE FIRE BOTTLE AND ORDERED AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION. ENGINE TEARDOWN REVEALED THAT INITIALLY, A VANE HAD FAILED IN THE STAGE 2 TURBINE SECTION. FIRE WAS CAUSED BY BURNING ENGINE OIL.
Full Narrative
SHORTLY AFTER TAKEOFF, THE LEFT ENGINE FAILED AND THE AIRPLANE WAS LANDED BACK ON THE DEPARTURE AIRPORT. AFTER TURNING OFF ON A TAXIWAY, THE TOWER TOLD THE CREW THAT THE LEFT ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CREW USED THE FIRE BOTTLE AND ORDERED AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION. ENGINE TEARDOWN REVEALED THAT INITIALLY, A VANE HAD FAILED IN THE STAGE 2 TURBINE SECTION. FIRE WAS CAUSED BY BURNING ENGINE OIL.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time06:43 CST
Nearest AirportHouston Intercontinental (2nm E)
Runway27
Runway Length10000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-32
Tail NumberN1289L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · JT8D-7B · Turbofan · 14000
Seats101
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 47 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured47
Total49
Crew 1Age 45 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind340° @ 5 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 54
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO