Investigation Summary
During the approach to LaGuardia, the flight crew was concerned about the short runway length (7,003 feet) and the snowy conditions. Although preceding flights reported good braking action, the crew observed the runway was entirely white upon breaking out of the overcast. After touchdown, the captain applied aggressive reverse thrust, reaching engine pressure ratios (EPR) of 2.07 and 1.91, significantly exceeding the company's recommended limit of 1.3 EPR for contaminated runways. This high power setting created a phenomenon known as rudder blanking, where the engine exhaust flow disrupts the aerodynamic effectiveness of the rudder. Combined with the lack of friction on the snowy surface, the crew was unable to counteract a leftward drift. The aircraft skidded approximately 3,000 feet from the threshold, breached the airport fence, and slid for another 940 feet along the seawall berm.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB concluded in its final report (AAR-16/02) that the probable cause was the captain's inability to maintain directional control due to the application of excessive reverse thrust, which degraded rudder effectiveness. Contributing factors included the captain's situational stress regarding stopping performance and attentional limitations during a high-workload landing, which prevented him from recognizing the excessive EPR settings in time to correct the slide.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
Loss of control! What went wrong on Delta Flight 1086? — An analysis of the MD-88 runway excursion at LaGuardia, focusing on the mechanics of rudder blanking and the challenges of landing on contaminated runways.
If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Former USAF pilot (1980–1989).
First Officer
Former US Navy pilot (1991–2012).
Systems & Failure Modes
Thrust Reversers
Mechanical systems that redirect engine exhaust forward to assist in braking. On the MD-88, excessive reverse thrust can lead to rudder blanking.
Rudder
The primary directional control surface on the tail. Its effectiveness was neutralized by the turbulent airflow from the high-power reverse thrust.
Autobrakes
A system designed to provide automatic deceleration. Though set to 'MAX', the crew perceived no deceleration due to the low friction of the snowy runway.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was approximately 27 years and 8 months old at the time of the accident (manufactured July 1987).
- 02The left wing destroyed approximately 940 feet of airport perimeter fence.
- 03The automatic spoilers failed to deploy upon touchdown and were manually extended by the first officer.
- 04The captain had over 11,000 hours of experience on the MD-88/90 series.
- 05Runway snow clearing had been completed approximately 20 to 25 minutes prior to the landing.
Safety Actions & Advisories
MD-80 Reverse Thrust Guidance
The NTSB recommended that the FAA and Boeing emphasize the risks of rudder blanking and ensure pilots adhere to EPR limits on contaminated runways.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Port Authority Lawsuit
Reference ↗On February 28, 2018, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines and Captain Lauer, alleging negligence. However, the charges were reportedly dropped just one day later on March 1, 2018.