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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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October 7, 1989 · Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-31 · N958VJ

Orlando, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (107 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Orlando, FL
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-31
Tail Number
N958VJ
Operator
Us Air
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
MIA90FA008

RAINFALL BECAME MODERATE TO HEAVY AS THE ACFT WAS BEING PUSHED BACK IN PREPARATION FOR FLT. DURING THAT TIME, LIGHTNING STRUCK THE TAIL OF THE ACFT WHILE A MECHANIC (GROUND GUIDE) WAS WEARING A HEADSET CONNECTED TO THE ACFT. THE LIGHTNING TRAVELED THRU THE ACFT & FATALLY INJURED THE MECHANIC. WITNESSES & SUPERVISORS STATED THAT THEY HAD OBSERVED LIGHTNING IN THE AREA BEFORE THE ACDNT, BUT THEY HAD NOT OBSERVED ANY FOR ABOUT 15 MIN; PUSH BACK WAS INITIATED AFTER PHONE CONVERSATION WITH TOWER PSNL. THE AIRLINE'S SAFETY MANUAL PROHIBITED GROUND GUIDE OPN DURING PERIODS OF OBSERVED LIGHTNING.

NTSB Probable Cause

INADEQUATE WEATHER EVALUATION AND INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE GROUND GUIDE (MECHANIC) BY COMPANY/OPERATOR/MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL, FAILURE OF THE GROUND GUIDE TO FOLLOW SAFETY PROCEDURES, AND THE WEATHER CONDITION (LIGHTNING).

Full Narrative

RAINFALL BECAME MODERATE TO HEAVY AS THE ACFT WAS BEING PUSHED BACK IN PREPARATION FOR FLT. DURING THAT TIME, LIGHTNING STRUCK THE TAIL OF THE ACFT WHILE A MECHANIC (GROUND GUIDE) WAS WEARING A HEADSET CONNECTED TO THE ACFT. THE LIGHTNING TRAVELED THRU THE ACFT & FATALLY INJURED THE MECHANIC. WITNESSES & SUPERVISORS STATED THAT THEY HAD OBSERVED LIGHTNING IN THE AREA BEFORE THE ACDNT, BUT THEY HAD NOT OBSERVED ANY FOR ABOUT 15 MIN; PUSH BACK WAS INITIATED AFTER PHONE CONVERSATION WITH TOWER PSNL. THE AIRLINE'S SAFETY MANUAL PROHIBITED GROUND GUIDE OPN DURING PERIODS OF OBSERVED LIGHTNING.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:50 EDT
Nearest AirportOrlando Intl (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-31
Tail NumberN958VJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorUs Air
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · JT8D · Turbofan · 14000
Seats116

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (107 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured107
Total108
Crew 1Age 35 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time01:20
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data