Accident Details
Date
Friday, March 17, 1989
NTSB Number
DCA89MA034
Location
OAKLAND, CA
Event ID
20001213X27868
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
69
Total Aboard
69
Probable Cause and Findings
IGNITION OF PUDDLED FUEL FROM A BLOCKED COMBUSTOR DRAIN LINE, AND A SLOW START DURING WHICH FUEL WAS MISTED AND BLOWN OUT THE TAIL PIPE. AN EXISTING TAILWIND AT THE GATE ALLOWED THE FUEL TO WET THE TAIL SURFACES AND BE IGNITED DURING THE APU START. THE OPERATOR CONFIRMED USING RTV MATERIAL IN THE APU BUILDUP PROCESS AT THEIR FACILITY.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N12318
Make
BOEING
Serial Number
318
Engine Type
Turbo-jet
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES INC
Address
1600 SMITH ST DEPT HQS FM
Status
Deregistered
City
HOUSTON
State / Zip Code
TX 77002-7362
Country
United States
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DCA89MA034