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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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NTSB Report

May 17, 2010 · Boeing 747 400F · N498MC

Miami, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 17, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Boeing 747 400F
Tail Number
N498MC
Operator
Atlas Air
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA10CA061

On May 17, 2010, an Atlas Air Cargo Boeing 747-400F, N498MC, lost a section of the left fore-flap while on approach to Miami International Airport (KMIA), Miami, Florida. The airplane was substantially damaged when the flap portion impacted the fuselage. There were no injuries to the flight crew and the airplane landed without further incident. The cargo flight originated from Rio de Janeiro-Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (BGL), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to the operator, the flight crew heard and felt a large impact after 30 degree flaps was selected during the approach. Postflight inspection revealed that approximately twelve feet of the right wing inboard fore flap was missing and had caused substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The separated section of the fore flap was recovered and examined. The examination revealed that a large portion of the enamel was missing from the fore flap attachment fitting of the carriage assembly and that there was a large amount of contamination and grease buildup around the lubrication fitting. Extensive corrosion byproducts covered up the lubrication passage in the attachment, which prevented passage of grease to the bearing, causing extensive corrosion in the bore and propagated by fatigue before final ductile separation.

NTSB Probable Cause

impact of the fore flap with the aft fuselage after fatigue failure of the right wing fore flap carriage assembly attachment fitting at position 6.

Full Narrative

On May 17, 2010, an Atlas Air Cargo Boeing 747-400F, N498MC, lost a section of the left fore-flap while on approach to Miami International Airport (KMIA), Miami, Florida. The airplane was substantially damaged when the flap portion impacted the fuselage. There were no injuries to the flight crew and the airplane landed without further incident. The cargo flight originated from Rio de Janeiro-Galeão-Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (BGL), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. According to the operator, the flight crew heard and felt a large impact after 30 degree flaps was selected during the approach. Postflight inspection revealed that approximately twelve feet of the right wing inboard fore flap was missing and had caused substantial damage to the aft fuselage. The separated section of the fore flap was recovered and examined. The examination revealed that a large portion of the enamel was missing from the fore flap attachment fitting of the carriage assembly and that there was a large amount of contamination and grease buildup around the lubrication fitting. Extensive corrosion byproducts covered up the lubrication passage in the attachment, which prevented passage of grease to the bearing, causing extensive corrosion in the bore and propagated by fatigue before final ductile separation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:33 EDT
Nearest AirportMiami International Airport (3nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 747 400F
Tail NumberN498MC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAtlas Air
Operating RulePart 121
Engines4
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsCf6 · 80C2BF5 · Turbofan | Cf6 · 80C2BF5 · Turbofan | Cf6 · 80C2BF5 · Turbofan

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 50 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 54 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data