NTSB Probe Into Delta Accident Continues
The NTSB continues its probe into the Delta MD-88 that veered off a runway at LaGuardia Airport on March 5, issuing a third report Thursday. Investigators said they will examine the snow-clearing procedures at LaGuardia as well as snow-clearing operations on the day of the accident.In its new report, the NTSB found that Runway 13, where the Delta jet landed, was cleared of snow about 20 to 25 minutes prior to touchdown.
The NTSB continues its probe into the Delta MD-88 that veered off a runway at LaGuardia Airport on March 5, issuing a third report Thursday. Investigators saidthey will examine the snow-clearing procedures at LaGuardia as well as snow-clearing operations on the day of the accident.In its new report, the NTSB found that Runway 13, where the Delta jet landed, was cleared of snow about 20 to 25 minutes prior to touchdown. Four other airplanes, including another Delta MD-88, had landed on that runway between the completion of snow clearing at about 10:40 a.m. local time and the accident.The pilots had told the NTSBthey based their decision to land on ATC's reports that braking conditions were "good." Two other flights landing several minutes prior had both reported "good" conditions. The crew said the runway appeared "all white" when they broke through the overcast, moments before landing.
The NTSB said no mechanical faults were found with the aircraft, including its thrust reversers and braking systems.The Delta flight, arriving from Atlanta, veered off the left side of the runway, struck a perimeter fence with its left wing, and came to rest with its nose on an embankment. The aircraft had substantial damage to its left side, front radome and underside, as well as the nose landing gear and main electronics bay. There were 127 passengers and 5 crew on board; 23 passengers received minor injuries, and all were treated and released from the hospital.
