FedEx Express Flight 14 crashes at Newark Airport
July 31st, 1997
July 31st, 1997
How Long Ago?
27 years, 7 months, 14 days ago
Location
Newark, New Jersey, United States
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
FedEx Express Flight 14 crashes at Newark Airport
FedEx Express Flight 14, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, crashed while attempting to land at Newark International Airport. The aircraft, coming from the Fort Lauderdale airport, encountered difficulties during its landing approach due to severe thunderstorms. Despite the challenging conditions, the flight crew managed to survive, while five individuals on board were injured. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the accident prompted an investigation into operational protocols for severe weather conditions.
FedEx flight was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11
Severe thunderstorms affected landing conditions
Five injuries reported, no fatalities occurred
Investigation led to improvements in weather protocols
What Happened?
FedEx Express Flight 14 was a scheduled cargo flight operating with a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft. On a critical approach to Newark International Airport, the airplane faced severe thunderstorms, which significantly impaired visibility and created challenging landing conditions. As the flight descended, it entered a dangerously unstable flight path, ultimately leading to the aircraft abandoning its landing attempts and crashing. The on-board crew executed emergency procedures to mitigate damage and injuries, and the aircraft ended up in an adjacent spillway after skidding off the runway. Emergency responders acted quickly to assist the injured crew members. This accident highlighted the importance of strict operational measures during severe weather, prompting industry-wide reviews of storm handling protocols for cargo and passenger flights alike.
Why Does it Matter?
The incident of FedEx Express Flight 14 is noteworthy for its role in emphasizing the imperative need for aviation safety reforms related to adverse weather conditions. It underscored how cargo flights, despite their differences from passenger operations, still required stringent adherence to safety standards and protocols. The crash catalyzed discussions in the aviation community regarding the training and preparedness of flight crews in adverse weather, which resulted in enhancements in both operational guidelines and safety measures across the industry.
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