Eastwind Airlines Flight 517

Infobox Airliner accident
name=Eastwind Airlines Flight 517
Date=June 9 1996
Type=Loss of control
Site=Richmond, Virginia
Fatalities=0
Injuries=1
Aircraft Type=Boeing 737-200
Origin = Trenton-Mercer Airport
Destination = Richmond International Airport
Operator=Eastwind Airlines
Tail Number=N221US
Passengers=48
Crew=5
Survivors=53 (all)

Eastwind Airlines Flight 517 was a scheduled flight from Trenton-Mercer Airport in Trenton, New Jersey to Richmond International Airport in Richmond, Virginia. The flight lost rudder control but successfuly landed on June 9, 1996.

The Boeing 737-200 experienced a reported loss of rudder control while on approach to Richmond from Trenton. There was one minor injury to a flight attendant and no damage to the airplane as a result of the incident. At the time of the event the airplane's airspeed was about 250 knots and at 4,000 feet MSL. On approach the crew experienced unexpected movement of the rudder causing the airplane rolling to the right. The crew applied opposite rudder input to keep the plane from rolling over. Thirty-seconds later the plane righted itself back to normal flight. As the crew performed the emergency checklist the plane again rolled over to the right. Another thirty-seconds went by before the plane snapped back to level. Captain Brian Bishop instructed his first officer to declare an emergency and landed safety in Richmond. Investigation of this incident would later help solve two other mysterious accidents: United Airlines Flight 585 and USAir Flight 427.

It was then reported that the airplane has previously had problems with uncommanded rudder deflections. Previous reports have been of "rudder bumps" during departure and that the airplane would not trim properly. [ [http://www.fss.aero/accident-reports/look.php?report_key=1078 Eastwind Airlines Flight 517 incident] ]

The flight was renacted, along with United Airlines Flight 585 and USAir Flight 427 in the episode "Hidden Danger" of the TV series "Mayday".

ee also

* Boeing 737 rudder issues

References