Has the MD-80 (commercial jet) jack screw issue been addressed since Alaska 261?

August 30, 2009

This is for you pilots and tarmac workers out there.

I love flying, but every time I am on a MD-80 I can’t help but think about the jack screw on the horizontal stabilizer. As you probably know, MD80s were designed with a rare feature: they have a "flight necessary" mechanism with no backup "redundant" support. If the jackscrew goes, like it did in Alaska 261 you’re in trouble and there isn’t anything even the best pilot can do. Its a one in a million chance, but there are a lot of MD80s out there…

To get to my question: What (if anything) has been done by the FAA or MD to fix the issue. Have any of you flown MD80s? If so, does this issue worry you or have you been trained about it.

Thanks!

Yes. The equipment is adequately designed, and the maintenance as specified by the manufacturer is adequate.

There was a one-time inspection of all DC9/MD80 jackscrews immediately after the accident, but no ADs were issued, and no additional inspections were mandated.

The AS261 aircraft was determined to have been inadequately maintained, such that the jackscrew that failed inspection was reinstalled on the airplane.

Statistically, the MD80 is on the short list of the safest airliners flying.

Posted by roy | Filed Under FAA Flight Training 

Comments

4 Responses to “Has the MD-80 (commercial jet) jack screw issue been addressed since Alaska 261?”

  1. tim on August 30th, 2009 10:19 am

    yes … inspections were stepped up and replacements are done when wear hits a threshold.
    References :

  2. grumpy geezer on August 30th, 2009 10:47 am

    Yup. It’s been addressed.

    It never would have happened in the first place if the maintenance log hadn’t been pencil whipped by a supervisor.
    References :

  3. Jimmbbo on August 30th, 2009 11:21 am

    Yes. The equipment is adequately designed, and the maintenance as specified by the manufacturer is adequate.

    There was a one-time inspection of all DC9/MD80 jackscrews immediately after the accident, but no ADs were issued, and no additional inspections were mandated.

    The AS261 aircraft was determined to have been inadequately maintained, such that the jackscrew that failed inspection was reinstalled on the airplane.

    Statistically, the MD80 is on the short list of the safest airliners flying.
    References :
    MD80 Captain

  4. Ben Dere Dun Dat on August 30th, 2009 11:55 am

    They quietly swept it under the carpet and did nothing about it…NOT! OF COURSE they addressed the jackscrew issue including mandatory frequent inspections, maintenance and replacement of parts. Stop worrying about it.
    References :

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