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January 9, 2014 · Boeing 737 7H4 7H4 · N966WN

Nashville, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 9, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 144 uninjured
Location
Nashville, TN
Aircraft
Boeing 737 7H4 7H4 (2011)
Tail Number
N966WN
Operator
Southwest Airlines
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DCA14CA035

While preparing coffee service in the aft galley, the C flight attendant (FA) observed the coffee maker emitting an unusual noise and coffee was pooling on the burner. The FA lifted the potlocking lever on the coffee pot and hot coffee and coffee grounds erupted onto her face, neck, and chest. The flight diverted and landed at Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tennessee where medical personnel met the flight at the gate. The FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with second-degree burns. In January of 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration issued Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) 13001, which addressed reported cases of coffee filter packages bursting in flight during coffee preparation, resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns to flight attendants and bystanders. The SAFO encouraged air carriers and operators to add cautionary instructions and procedures to the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and training program, warning crew members of the dangers to personnel and equipment.

NTSB Probable Cause

A buildup of pressure in the coffee filter package resulting in the release of hot coffee and grounds when the potlocking lever was raised, which resulted in 2nd degree burns.

Full Narrative

While preparing coffee service in the aft galley, the C flight attendant (FA) observed the coffee maker emitting an unusual noise and coffee was pooling on the burner. The FA lifted the potlocking lever on the coffee pot and hot coffee and coffee grounds erupted onto her face, neck, and chest. The flight diverted and landed at Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tennessee where medical personnel met the flight at the gate. The FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with second-degree burns. In January of 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration issued Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) 13001, which addressed reported cases of coffee filter packages bursting in flight during coffee preparation, resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns to flight attendants and bystanders. The SAFO encouraged air carriers and operators to add cautionary instructions and procedures to the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and training program, warning crew members of the dangers to personnel and equipment.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 737 7H4 7H4
Tail NumberN966WN
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorSouthwest Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsCfm Intl · CFM56-7B24E · Turbofan · 0 | Cfm Intl · CFM56-7B24E · Turbofan · 0
Seats149

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 144 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured144
Total145
Crew 1Age 57 · First Class
Crew 2Age 51 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind70° @ 3 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 15000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 32 C
Altimeter30.31 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data