The NTSB synopsis of a public meeting Tuesday concluded that a lack of grease on the jackscrew in an Alaska Airlines MD-80 ultimately caused the crash that killed 88 on Jan. 31, 2000, but also that “The airplane was dispatched in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and approved Alaska Airlines procedures.” The draft report already pointed to widespread problems with maintenance procedures and the FAA’s oversight of same. This early criticism of the agency’s policies caused the FAA to revamp its oversight procedures — especially with Alaska Airlines — immediately following the crash. Alaska Airlines says that its maintenance difficulties were largely paperwork problems and that it properly maintained the jet. NTSB board members are still debating what or who to blame for the specific issue of a improperly lubricated jackscrew that led to the crash and any new safety recommendations to issued.
Alaska Airlines, FAA Oversight
Key Takeaways:
- The NTSB concluded that a lack of grease on the jackscrew caused the Alaska Airlines MD-80 crash in 2000, which killed 88 people.
- Despite the crash cause, the NTSB noted the airplane was dispatched according to FAA regulations and approved Alaska Airlines procedures, while also pointing to widespread problems with maintenance and FAA oversight.
- The incident prompted the FAA to immediately revamp its oversight procedures, particularly for Alaska Airlines.
- Alaska Airlines maintained its maintenance difficulties were mostly paperwork issues, asserting the jet was properly maintained, while NTSB members continue to debate blame and new safety recommendations.
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