AA 191
25 May 1979 · Mechanical & Structural FailureAMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT 191
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 · American Airlines · Image: Wikimedia Commons
Why it happened
Engine pylon tore off after shortcut maintenance
Engine pylon
Slat hydraulics
Stall warning
Aircraft
McDonnell Douglas DC-10
American Airlines
Route
Chicago–O'Hare (ORD), USA
→ Los Angeles (LAX), USA
People
273 on board
273 fatalities +2 on ground
Date
25 May 1979
Flight crew
Captain: Walter Lux
Category
Mechanical & Structural Failure
Metal fatigue, broken parts, failed repairs.
THE STORY
A forklift shortcut cracked the engine pylon. The left engine tore off on rotation, ripping hydraulics and slat lines; the jet rolled and dove into the ground — America's deadliest accident.