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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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December 8, 1989 · Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-51 · N404EA

Tallahassee, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
December 8, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (34 uninjured)
Location
Tallahassee, FL
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas DC-9-51
Tail Number
N404EA
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
MIA90IA038

THE FIRST OFFICER, WHO WAS FLYING THE ILS APPROACH, NEVER ESTABLISHED THE AIRPLANE ON THE CENTERLINE AND 'CHASED' THE LOCALIZER NEEDLE. THE CAPTAIN TOOK CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE ABOUT 250 FEET AGL AND ATTEMPTED A SIDE STEP MANEUVER. THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN IN A LEFT BANK AND THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK THE RUNWAY.

NTSB Probable Cause

FAILURE OF THE FIRST OFFICER TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRCRAFT FOR LANDING, AND THE CAPTAIN'S DELAY IN TAKING REMEDIAL ACTION.

Full Narrative

THE FIRST OFFICER, WHO WAS FLYING THE ILS APPROACH, NEVER ESTABLISHED THE AIRPLANE ON THE CENTERLINE AND 'CHASED' THE LOCALIZER NEEDLE. THE CAPTAIN TOOK CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE ABOUT 250 FEET AGL AND ATTEMPTED A SIDE STEP MANEUVER. THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN IN A LEFT BANK AND THE LEFT WING TIP STRUCK THE RUNWAY.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time12:55 EST
Nearest AirportTallahassee (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length8000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas DC-9-51
Tail NumberN404EA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · JT8D-17 · Turbofan · 16000
Seats139

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (34 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured34
Total34
Crew 1Age 47 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 3 kt
Visibility2 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data