Talk:Alaska Airlines Flight 261/Stuff

Files

http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/2000/Aka261/AKA261_board_mtg_transcript.pdf

Pages

Presentations

http://www.ntsb.gov/events/2000/aka261/presentations/presentations.htm

BOARD MEETING PRESENTATIONS December 10, 2002 Alaska Airlines Flight 261

Accident Overview [ HTML | PPT ] Richard Rodriguez, Investigator-in-Charge

Animation (WMV, 1.02MB)

This three-dimensional animated accident reconstruction shows the final pitch-over and initial portion of the dive for Alaska Airlines Flight 261, which crashed off of Point Hueneme, CA on January 31, 2000. The reconstruction exhibits information selected from the Flight Data Recorder, excerpts from the Cockpit Voice Recorder transcript, recorded radar data and aircraft performance data. This reconstruction does not depict the weather or visibility conditions at the time of the accident.

The animation shows a three-dimensional model of the airplane and its motion. Selected comments from the Cockpit Voice Recorder transcript are superimposed as text at the time they occurred. The time of day (based on the FAA's Air Traffic Control radar data) and aircraft altitude in feet are depicted as text.

The animation begins with the crew discussing possible mechanical damage to the longitudinal control system and a decision to land at Los Angeles International Airport. The aircraft pitched nose down shortly after the crew redeployed flaps and slats. The animation ends with the crew's declaration of "MAYDAY".

Longitudinal Trim System Description and Failure Sequence [ HTML | PPT ] Jeff Guzzetti, Systems Group Chairman

Animation (WMV, 4.04MB)

This three-dimensional animation (with narrated audio) is divided into two segments. The first illustrates the nominal range of travel of the horizontal stabilizer from maximum airplane nose down to maximum airplane nose up position. The second depicts the reconstruction of the accident sequence.

This animation depicts nominal horizontal stabilizer motion at twice the actual primary motor or alternate trim motor rate. With this exception, elapsed times do not correlate to real time.

The nominal range of travel of the horizontal stabilizer trim system is shown from both exterior and cut away views. The motion depicted begins at the neutral position, proceeds to the maximum Airplane Nose Down (AND) position, continues to the maximum Airplane Nose Up (ANU) position, and finally returns to the neutral position. System components are identified in the cut away view.

The reconstruction of the accident sequence begins with the Alaska Airlines Flight 261 horizontal stabilizer takeoff setting of 7.0 degrees ANU in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Subsequent airplane nose down stabilizer trim motion from 7.0 degress ANU to 2.0 degrees ANU was due to the use of primary trim. Stabilizer motion from 2.0 degrees ANU to 0.4 degrees AND was commanded by the autopilot.

The horizontal stabilizer jammed at 0.4 degrees AND and remained jammed until the Acme nut threads failed. The lower mechanical stop subsequently contacted the Acme nut, restraining the horizontal stabilizer at 3.1 degrees AND. Fracture of the torque tube inside the Acme screw caused the the horizontal stabilizer to move to 3.6 degrees AND, where it contacted the fairing brackets. Shortly thereafter, fracture of the fairing brackets resulted in an unrecoverable loss of pitch control.

Metallurgical Findings [ HTML | PPT ] Joseph Epperson, Materials Group Chairman

Investigation of Lubricating Grease [ HTML | PPT ] Joseph Kolly, Ph.D., Grease Group Chairman

Lubrication and End Play Inspection [ HTML | PPT ] Jeff Guzzetti, Systems Group Chairman

Statistical End Play Data Study [ HTML | PPT ] Jana Price, Ph.D.

Alaska Airlines Maintenance Program and FAA Oversight [ HTML | PPT ] Richard Rodriguez, Investigator-in-Charge

Design & Certification of the MD-80 Horizontal Stabilizer Trim System [ HTML | PPT ] John Clark, Director, Office of Aviation Safety

Jackscrew Overhaul Assemblies Procedures [ HTML | PPT ] Jeff Guzzetti, Systems Group Chairman

Flight Crew Decision-Making [ HTML | PPT ] Captain Dave Ivey, Operations Group Chairman

Jackscrew

http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/2000/Aka261/jackscrew.htm

Alaska Airlines Flight 261 Pacific Ocean near Point Mugu, California January 31, 2000 Gimbal Nut and Jackscrew

Gimbal nut from Alaska Airlines flight 261, shown below as attached to front spar of stablizer from the aircraft's tail, and in close-up.

Jackscrew from horizontal stabilizer of Alaska Airlines flight 261, below. It is approximately 2 feet long and was recovered from main wreckage site on February 8, 2000.