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NTSB Report
December 15, 1985 · Boeing 747-136 · GAWNE
Boston, MA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 15, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (269 uninjured)
Location
Boston, MA
Aircraft
Boeing 747-136
Tail Number
GAWNE
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA86AA011
APRX 16 FT OF THE LEFT INBOARD TRAILING EDGE FLAP SEPARATED WHILE THE ACFT WAS ON FINAL APCH TO LAND. THE APCH AND LANDING WERE COMPLETED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED 5 OF THE 8 BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE NO. 3 FLAP TRACKFORWARD ATTACH FITTING TO THE WING SHOWED SIGNS OF FATIGUE AND THE 3 REMAINING BOLTS SHOWED OVERLOAD TYPE FAILURES. NO INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FORWARD ATTACHMENT BOLTS WERE REQUIRED BY BOEING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
APRX 16 FT OF THE LEFT INBOARD TRAILING EDGE FLAP SEPARATED WHILE THE ACFT WAS ON FINAL APCH TO LAND. THE APCH AND LANDING WERE COMPLETED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED 5 OF THE 8 BOLTS WHICH HOLD THE NO. 3 FLAP TRACKFORWARD ATTACH FITTING TO THE WING SHOWED SIGNS OF FATIGUE AND THE 3 REMAINING BOLTS SHOWED OVERLOAD TYPE FAILURES. NO INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FORWARD ATTACHMENT BOLTS WERE REQUIRED BY BOEING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:50 EST
Nearest AirportLogan Int'L (4nm NE)
Runway22L
Runway Length10005 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBoeing 747-136
Tail NumberGAWNE
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 129
Engines4
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · JT9D-7A · Turbofan · 46250
Seats413
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (269 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured269
Total269
Crew 1Age 49 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 14 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 10 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC