Investigation Summary
The accident originated from a series of ground handling errors. During engine start, a supervisor used hand signals to communicate with the crew because his headset was malfunctioning. In the resulting confusion, the aircraft began to taxi while the air start hose was still connected. After an emergency stop to disconnect the hose, the ground crew failed to latch the air start access door on the right wing leading edge. As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff, the open door began to bang against the wing, creating a 6 to 9 Hz vibration that was felt throughout the cockpit. The captain, suspecting a mechanical failure in the engines or propellers, reduced power on all four engines. Because the crew was focused on the vibration rather than flying the aircraft, they allowed the airspeed to decay until the Electra stalled and impacted the ground.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB determined the probable cause was the captain's failure to control and the copilot's failure to monitor the flight path and airspeed following the onset of unexpected vibration. A breakdown in crew coordination (CRM) led to the stall. The failure of ground handlers to properly close the air start access door was cited as a contributing factor.
Photographic Evidence (1)
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Allan Heasley (49). Had over 5,000 hours on the P-3 Orion (military Electra variant).
First Officer
Kevin Fieldsa (27).
Flight Engineer
Marc Freels (23).
Systems & Failure Modes
Air Start Access Door
A small hatch used to connect ground pneumatic power to start the engines; if left unlatched, it can flap in the slipstream.
Allison 501-D13 Engines
Turboprop engines; the crew reduced power on all four simultaneously to diagnose the vibration source.
Interesting Facts
- 01The air start access door was located on the underside of the right wing leading edge.
- 02The vibration generated by the open door was recorded at a frequency of 6 to 9 Hz.
- 03The sole long-term survivor, 17-year-old George Lamson Jr., was thrown clear of the aircraft in his seat.
- 04The aircraft was a charter flight carrying fans returning from Super Bowl XIX.
- 05The captain had over 5,000 hours of experience on the P-3 Orion, the military variant of the Electra.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Airworthiness Directive 85-09-08
Source ↗The FAA mandated modifications to the air start access door latches on all Lockheed L-188 Electra aircraft to prevent accidental opening.
Lockheed Service Letter
Lockheed issued a formal warning to all Electra operators regarding the hazards of vibrations caused by unlatched access doors.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Post-Crash Operational and Financial Scrutiny
Reference ↗Following the crash, investigations by the U.S. Transportation Department and the military revealed significant safety and maintenance deficiencies. The U.S. Air Force terminated a $5.9 million contract with Galaxy Airlines in 1986, and the airline ceased operations shortly thereafter amid questions regarding the owner's financial stability.