MD82, en route, west of Wichita KA USA, 2002

MD82, en route, west of Wichita KA USA, 2002

Summary

On 4 June 2002, the crew of an MD82 in the cruise at FL330 with AP and A/T engaged failed to notice progressive loss of airspeed and concurrent increase in pitch attitude as both engines rolled back to thrust levels which could not sustain level flight. The aircraft stalled and a recovery was accomplished with significant altitude necessary before engine thrust was restored and a diversion made. The Investigation attributed the engine rollback to ice crystal icing obstructing the engine inlet pressure sensors following crew failure to use the engine anti-icing as prescribed. Two Safety Recommendations were made.

Description

On 4 June 2002, a McDonnell Douglas MD82 (N823NK) was being operated by Spirit Airlines on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Denver to Fort Lauderdale as NK970. In the cruise at FL330 in day IMC the aircraft stalled after a sudden loss of thrust from both engines. Recovery and restoration of normal thrust was only achieved after a significant loss of altitude and a diversion to Wichita was then made involving an overweight landing. None of the 111 occupants were injured and the aircraft was not damaged.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the NTSB. DFDR data was successfully downloaded but the CVR CB had not been tripped so no useful data was available and it was not downloaded.

The Captain had 7,700 total flying experience including 1,720 hours on type, 1,420 of the latter having been in command. He was found to have joined the airline just over 4 years earlier as a First Officer and subsequently gained a command and stated that he was an ALPA-trained 'safety investigator' and the 'local Air Safety Chairman' at the airline's Ft Lauderdale base. The First Officer had 8,900 hours total flying experience including 376 hours on type and was acting as PF for the sector.

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