Boeing 737 7H4 N966WN

Summary

On 9 January 2014 at about 23:30 local time, a Boeing 737 7H4 registered N966WN, operated by Southwest Airlines Co, was involved in an accident near Nashville, Tennessee, United States. 145 people were on board and one was seriously injured. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

9 January 2014 at 23:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

Coordinates

36.1267, -86.6819

Aircraft

Boeing 737 7H4

Registration

N966WN

Category

Airplane

Year built

2011

Engines

2

Operator

Southwest Airlines Co

Operating rule

Part 121: Air Carrier

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Indianapolis → Fort Meyers

Aircraft damage

Not recorded

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

DCA14CA035

1 person was seriously injured.

A buildup of pressure in the coffee filter package resulting in the release of hot coffee and grounds when the potlocking lever was raised, which resulted in 2nd degree burns.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

While preparing coffee service in the aft galley, the C flight attendant (FA) observed the coffee maker emitting an unusual noise and coffee was pooling on the burner. The FA lifted the potlocking lever on the coffee pot and hot coffee and coffee grounds erupted onto her face, neck, and chest. The flight diverted and landed at Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tennessee where medical personnel met the flight at the gate. The FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with second-degree burns. In January of 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration issued Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) 13001, which addressed reported cases of coffee filter packages bursting in flight during coffee preparation, resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns to flight attendants and bystanders. The SAFO encouraged air carriers and operators to add cautionary instructions and procedures to the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and training program, warning crew members of the dangers to personnel and equipment.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.