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November 9, 2002 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD-82 · N452AA

Flushing, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 9, 2002
Injury Outcomes
7 injuries (1 serious injury, 6 minor injuries), 72 uninjured
Location
Flushing, NY
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD-82
Tail Number
N452AA
Operator
American Airlines
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
NYC03LA016

While waiting on the ramp after landing, the flight crew started the airplane's auxiliary power unit (APU) and about 30 seconds later, the cabin began to fill with smoke. The captain ordered an emergency evacuation utilizing the airplane's four evacuation slides. All slides functioned normally; however, during the egress a passenger sustained a fractured bone in her right foot. Examination of the airplane revealed a broken hydraulic line, which allowed hydraulic fluid to accumulate in the area of the APU inlet.

NTSB Probable Cause

An inadvertent trauma to the passenger's foot during an emergency evacuation.

Full Narrative

On November 9, 2002, about 1350 eastern standard time, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, N452AA, operated by American Airlines as flight 710, performed an emergency evacuation after landing at LaGuardia Airport, Flushing, New York. Two certificated airline transport flight crew members, 2 flight attendants, and 68 passengers were not injured. One passenger sustained a serious injury, while one flight attendant and five passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was not damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the scheduled passenger flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. According to a representative of American Airlines, the airplane landed uneventfully and taxied toward the parking area. While waiting on the ramp, the flight crew started the airplane's auxiliary power unit (APU) and about 30 seconds later, the cabin began to fill with smoke. The captain ordered an emergency evacuation utilizing the airplane's four evacuation slides. All slides functioned normally; however, during the egress a passenger sustained a fractured bone in her right foot. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, examination of the airplane by maintenance personnel revealed a broken hydraulic line, which allowed hydraulic fluid to accumulate in the area of the APU inlet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:50 EST
Nearest AirportLa Guardia (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD-82
Tail NumberN452AA
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorAmerican Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · JT8D-200-7C · Turbojet · 20000 | Pratt & Whitney · JT8D-200-7C · Turbojet · 20000
Seats150

People & Injuries

Injury Summary7 injuries (1 serious injury, 6 minor injuries), 72 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor6
Uninjured72
Total79
Crew 1Age 48 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 35 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 46
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time18:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data