AS 261
31 Jan 2000 · Mechanical & Structural FailureALASKA AIRLINES FLIGHT 261
McDonnell Douglas MD-83 · Alaska Airlines · Image: Wikimedia Commons
Why it happened
Worn jackscrew stripped the stabilizer trim
Horizontal stabilizer jackscrew
Trim system
Maintenance intervals
Aircraft
McDonnell Douglas MD-83
Alaska Airlines
Route
Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Mexico
→ San Francisco (SFO), USA
People
88 on board
88 fatalities
Date
31 Jan 2000
Flight crew
Captain: Ted Thompson
Category
Mechanical & Structural Failure
Metal fatigue, broken parts, failed repairs.
THE STORY
An under-greased jackscrew stripped mid-flight. The horizontal stabilizer jammed, then failed entirely — the MD-83 dove inverted into the Pacific.