Flight 1404
According to available evidence, it appears that the Continental Boeing 737-500, known as "Flight 1404" veered off the runway and caught on fire as a result of an attempt to abort takeoff at a high speed. The aircraft's ability to maintain directional control on the runway prior to takeoff is a function of the vertical tail, rudder, winglets and nose wheel steering. From a design perspective, the size of the rudder is based on the aerodynamic power necessary for directional control in the realm of takeoff speeds assuming one engine in operation. From a pilot's perspective, the takeoff speeds are referred to as "V" speeds namely: V1 speed, below which the pilot may make a decision to abort a takeoff on the runway if a problem is perceived; VR speed, the rotation speed; and V2 speed, the speed at which it is safe for a single engine climb on a twin engine airplane such as a 737.
Because of the potential directional control problems under conditions of a high speed takeoff abort due to engine placement, the 737 rudder was designed to be unusually large. The rudder is controlled through peddles in the cockpit which operate a hydraulic servo system. This system and tail design have been the subject of controversy in several cases handled by Schaden, Katzman, Lampert & McClune and studied extensively from an aeronautical engineering perspective.
Our office was primary counsel in the multi-district litigation of several 737 rudder cases, including, the United Airlines 737 crash in Colorado Springs, Colorado and U.S. Air 737 crash at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In fact, we reconstructed a full vertical tail rudder and control system to study both the mechanical engineering of the hydraulic servo system and the aeronautical parameters of the rudder control power. In addition to the legal discovery and litigation, we accomplished an extensive engineering study.
Assuming the Continental 1404 aircraft crew sensed a problem before becoming airborne, directional control will be an important issue in analyzing why the aircraft veered off the runway, and the 737's rudder will once again command attention. Because of the crosswind, rudder power and winglets are issues which we are investigating.
If you would like more information as to how the design of the Boeing 737 tail may have contributed to the cause of this accident, please contact an attorney at Schaden, Katzman, Lampert and McClune at 303-465-3663.
