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June 17, 2014 · Boeing 737 7H4 7H4 · N968WN

Dallas, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 143 uninjured
Location
Dallas, TX
Aircraft
Boeing 737 7H4 7H4 (2011)
Tail Number
N968WN
Operator
Southwest Airlines
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DCA14CA120

While working in the forward galley, the flight attendant noticed that the coffee pot was leaking onto the counter and proceeded to turn it off and cleaned up the spill. Then while lifting the coffee maker's potlocking lever, hot coffee grounds and hot water erupted onto her face, neck, upper chest and hands. The flight crew elected to divert to Dallas Love Field (DAL), Dallas, Texas, and landed without incident. Medical personnel met the flight and the flight attendant was treated for 1st and 2nd degree burns. Approximately 18 months before the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 13001, which addressed reported cases of coffee filter packages bursting in-flight during coffee preparation, causing 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. At the time of the accident the following warning was present in the operator's FAM: WARNING: To avoid injury from bursting coffee filters, step to the side, turn off power to the coffeemaker, and do not raise the potlocking lever until the unit has cooled. Following the accident the warning was changed to the following: WARNING: Water overflowing and/or a hissing noise coming from the coffeemaker could result in injury from bursting coffee packets. Step to the side, turn off power to the coffeemaker, and DO NOT raise the potlocking lever.

NTSB Probable Cause

A buildup of pressure in the coffee filter package resulting in the release of hot coffee and grounds when the potlocking handle was raised, which resulted in 2nd and 3rd degree burns.

Full Narrative

While working in the forward galley, the flight attendant noticed that the coffee pot was leaking onto the counter and proceeded to turn it off and cleaned up the spill. Then while lifting the coffee maker's potlocking lever, hot coffee grounds and hot water erupted onto her face, neck, upper chest and hands. The flight crew elected to divert to Dallas Love Field (DAL), Dallas, Texas, and landed without incident. Medical personnel met the flight and the flight attendant was treated for 1st and 2nd degree burns. Approximately 18 months before the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had issued Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 13001, which addressed reported cases of coffee filter packages bursting in-flight during coffee preparation, causing 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. At the time of the accident the following warning was present in the operator's FAM: WARNING: To avoid injury from bursting coffee filters, step to the side, turn off power to the coffeemaker, and do not raise the potlocking lever until the unit has cooled. Following the accident the warning was changed to the following: WARNING: Water overflowing and/or a hissing noise coming from the coffeemaker could result in injury from bursting coffee packets. Step to the side, turn off power to the coffeemaker, and DO NOT raise the potlocking lever.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 737 7H4 7H4
Tail NumberN968WN
Aircraft CategoryAir
OperatorSouthwest Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine DetailsCfm Intl · CFM56-7B24E · 0 | Cfm Intl · CFM56-7B24E · 0
Seats151

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 143 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured143
Total144
Crew 1Age 59 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 18 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 30000 ft
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time09:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data