Investigation Summary
The investigation focused on the sudden loss of control witnessed by the crew of Pan Am Flight 110. Recovery of floating debris and laboratory analysis of recovered components revealed evidence of high-energy explosive residue and characteristic 'pitting' on metal surfaces within the aft cargo hold. The NTSB determined that the blast buckled the cabin floor, which in turn stretched or broke the elevator and rudder control cables running beneath it. This mechanical interference caused an uncommanded and irreversible pitch-up and yaw, rendering the Boeing 707 uncontrollable. The aircraft reached an extreme attitude before stalling and disintegrating during its descent into the Mediterranean.
Final Conclusions
The NTSB concluded the probable cause was the detonation of an explosive device in the aft cargo compartment. This was the first known instance of a U.S. airliner being destroyed by a passenger's checked-baggage bomb. The incident was later attributed to the Abu Nidal Organization, a Palestinian militant group.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Captain Donald G. Holliday. He held a first-class medical certificate with no limitations.
First Officer
First Officer Robert N. Caverly.
Flight Engineer
Flight Engineer Nicholas J. Sideris.
Systems & Failure Modes
Flight Control Cables
Elevator and rudder cables running through the aft fuselage were severed or jammed by the buckling of the cabin floor during the blast.
Aft Cargo Compartment
The location where the explosive device was placed; it lacked the containerization used in the forward hold.
Interesting Facts
- 01The aircraft was a Boeing 707-331B manufactured in 1969.
- 02The explosion occurred in the aft cargo compartment, which was used for non-containerized baggage and mail.
- 03Witnesses on Pan Am 110 observed the aircraft pitch up into a steep climb before rolling onto its back.
- 04The NTSB found evidence of explosive residue and high-velocity metal deformation on recovered wreckage.
- 05The flight was carrying 79 passengers and 9 crew members; there were no survivors.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Enhanced Baggage Screening
The accident led to a significant re-evaluation of international passenger and baggage security procedures, particularly for flights originating in high-risk regions.