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Part 8/10:
After landing, it became evident that the aft cargo door was entirely missing. Subsequent investigations revealed that the cargo door's locking mechanism had failed due to improper engagement during pre-flight checks. A service bulletin had been issued about a month prior regarding electrical issues, indicating a potential problem with the door's locking mechanism.
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American Airlines Flight 96 was scheduled as a multi-stop journey beginning in Los Angeles and intended to reach New York’s LaGuardia Airport, with interim stops in Detroit and Buffalo. The flight was crewed by Captain Bryce McCormick, First Officer Peter Whitney, and Flight Engineer Clayton Burke. They had a combined experience of over 45,000 hours. Alongside them were 56 passengers and eight cabin crew members.
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The Terrifying Incident of American Airlines Flight 96
On the afternoon of June 12, 1972, American Airlines Flight 96 faced a catastrophic emergency shortly after taking off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The aircraft, a brand new DC-10-10, was climbing through 11,750 feet when a loud bang was heard, followed by the sudden collapse of part of the aft cabin floor into the cargo compartment below. This was not merely a loss of structural integrity; the entire cabin quickly filled with dense white fog, and the pilots struggled to maintain control of the aircraft.
The Flight Crew and Aircraft Details
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The DC-10-10 had only been in service for less than a year, designed for medium-haul travel with three engines—two mounted under the wings and one at the tail. Its hydraulic flight controls operated via cables and pulleys, primarily located beneath the main cabin floor. Notably, the DC-10’s cargo doors were designed to open outward, in contrast to the inward-opening passenger doors, necessitating a robust locking mechanism.
The Incident Unfolds
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Before takeoff, the ramp service agent encountered problems closing the aft cargo door, needing to apply significant force to secure it. Although he ensured the handle clicked into position, the closing of the vent door was questionable. After confirming the aircraft was ready for takeoff despite these concerns, Flight 96 departed Los Angeles about 46 minutes late and completed an uneventful flight to Detroit, where it stopped to load passengers and cargo.
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As Flight 96 climbed out of Detroit, the crew was startled by a loud thump. Cabin conditions deteriorated rapidly, causing the cockpit's visibility to diminish as dust and particles filled the air. The aircraft’s rudder was deflected, and flight control became a struggle for the pilots. Calls for assistance and emergency vectors back to Detroit airport were initiated.
Cabin Crew Response
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Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was equally alarming with the sudden appearance of fog indicating a severe loss of pressure. Despite the chaos, the cabin crew swiftly moved the passengers away from collapsing areas in the rear of the cabin. They communicated effectively with the flight crew, preparing for an emergency landing. Their professionalism and training were crucial in managing the situation, ensuring a smooth evacuation procedure once the aircraft was safely on the ground.
Emergency Landing Procedures
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With significant damage and uncertainty surrounding the aircraft’s condition, the pilots opted for a long approach to test the control surfaces and validate the landing gear's functionality. Despite concerns over the descent rate increasing as they configured for landing, the crew skillfully managed the aircraft, balancing thrust and the rate of descent.
As they landed, the aircraft veered right off the runway due to the asymmetrical thrust. The flight crew employed reverse thrust asymmetrically to regain control while managing the intense situation. Remarkably, they brought the aircraft to a stop with all aboard safe.
Investigation Findings
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the probable cause of the accident stemmed from the design flaws in the door locking system, which unintentionally allowed the door to be closed without proper latching. Recommendations were made to modify the locking mechanism to ensure that it could not be falsely secured unless all pins were fully engaged, along with a suggestion to install pressure relief between compartments to mitigate future risks.
Conclusion
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The incident involving American Airlines Flight 96 underscored serious design deficiencies in aircraft safety standards and emergency preparedness. It illuminated both the critical role of flight crews in emergencies and the dire need for design improvements to prevent similar occurrences. Though all aboard survived, the stakes of air travel, mechanics, and human skill were profoundly highlighted that fateful June day.