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March 20, 2005 · Embraer EMB-135LR · N733KR

Raleigh, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 31 uninjured
Location
Raleigh, NC
Aircraft
Embraer EMB-135LR
Tail Number
N733KR
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
ATL05LA065

According to the captain, shortly after takeoff there was a foul oil smell spreading throughout the cockpit and cabin. The captain declared an emergency and returned to Raleigh Durham International Airport. The flight was cleared for an approach to and an emergency landing on runway 23R. After the airplane stopped on the runway, the captain ordered an emergency evacuation of the airplane. The flight attendant opened the passenger cabin door and the forward galley door and passengers evacuated the airplane. During the evacuation, one passenger received serious injuries. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical defects. The engine and auxiliary power unit oil levels were checked and found to be satisfactory and contained no sign of leaks. Maintenance personnel checked several areas for offensive odors and signs of bleed air leaks and found no bleed air leaks or odor of oil in the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

An oily smell in the airplane shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons that resulted in a return to the airport and a passenger injury during the emergency evacuation.

Full Narrative

On March 20, 2005, at 1148 eastern standard time, an Embraer EMB-135LR, N733KR, registered to and operated by American Eagle Airlines, Inc., as Flight 650, and flown by the captain, conducted an emergency evacuation following an emergency landing at the Raleigh Durham International Airport in Raleigh, North Carolina. The flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 121 and instrument flight rules (IFR). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an IFR Flight Plan was filed. The captain, first officer, flight attendant and 28 passengers were not injured, but one passenger received a serious injury. The fight originated from Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 20, 2005, at about 1130. According to the captain, shortly after takeoff there was a foul oil smell spreading throughout the cockpit and cabin. The captain declared an emergency and returned to Raleigh Durham International Airport. The flight was cleared for an approach to and an emergency landing on runway 23R. After the airplane stopped on the runway, the captain ordered an emergency evacuation of the airplane. The flight attendant opened the passenger cabin door and the forward galley door and passengers evacuated the airplane. During the evacuation, one passenger received serious injuries. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical defects. The engine and auxiliary power units oil levels were checked and found to be satisfactory and contained no sign of leaks. Maintenance personnel checked several areas for offensive odors and signs of bleed air leaks and found no bleed air leaks or odor of oil in the airplane. The airplane was returned to service on March 23, 2005.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:48 EST
Nearest AirportRaleigh-Durham Int'L Airport (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length10000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftEmbraer EMB-135LR
Tail NumberN733KR
Aircraft CategoryAir
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsRolls-Royce · AE 3007-A13 · Turbofan · 7200 | Rolls-Royce · AE 3007-A13 · Turbofan · 7200
Seats40

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 31 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured31
Total32
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 33 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 36 C
Altimeter29.92 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data