# NTSB CHI88IA011: Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10, N1813U, Chicago, IL, October 28, 1987

- Type: NTSB incident investigation
- Classification: Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report
- Date: October 28, 1987, 12:20 local (18:20 UTC)
- Place: Chicago, IL
- Location: 41.8500° N, 87.6501° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Chicago, IL, within about 9 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8500&lon=-87.6501&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 228 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 10, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13980
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88IA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13980/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88IA011

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - wing,skin - not secured (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - information unavailable, company/operator management (contributing factor)
  - maintenance,inspection - poor, other maintenance personnel (cause)

## Analysis

A WING PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE AIRPLANE WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT. CREW DECLARED AN EMERGENCY AND LANDED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL DID NOT FASTEN 4 OF THE 5 ROD END ASSEMBILIES USED TO SECURE THE PANEL TO THE TOP OF THE WING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N1813U (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS DC-10-10
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 46612
- Airframe hours: 43582
- Engines: P&W JT9D 51800 lbs thrust turbo fan
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Part 121
- Operator: United Airlines
- Registered owner: United Airlines
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Departed: SFO, SAN FRANCISCO, CA
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 13,026 total, 1,154 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Incident 19871028076419I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871028076419I), Oct 28, 1987: Doug DC1010, Chicago, IL, Substantial damage. Wing panel aft of main spar separated in flight. Four rod end attach points contained no bolts. Two rod ends failed

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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