Aircraft Accident Report
In-Flight Fire and Impact with Terrain
ValuJet Airlines, Flight 592
DC-9-32, N904VJ
Everglades, Near Miami, Florida
May 11, 1996
NTSB Number AAR-97/06
NTIS Number PB97-910406
PDF
Abstract: This report explains the in-flight fire and impact with terrain of ValuJet Airlines flight 592, a DC-9-32, N904VJ, in the Everglades near Miami, Florida, on May 11, 1996. Safety issues discussed in the report include minimization of the hazards posed by fires in class D cargo compartments; equipment, training, and procedures for addressing in-flight smoke and fire aboard air carrier airplanes; guidance for handling of chemical oxygen generators and other hazardous aircraft components; SabreTech's and ValuJet's procedures for handling company materials and hazardous materials; ValuJet's oversight of its contract heavy maintenance facilities; the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of ValuJet and ValuJet’s contract maintenance facilities; FAA's and the Research and Special Programs Administration’s (RSPA) hazardous materials program and undeclared hazardous materials in the U.S. mail; and ValuJet's procedures for boarding and accounting for lap children. Safety recommendations concerning these issues were made to the FAA, RSPA, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Air Transport Association.
