Northwest Airlines Flight 255 – Detroit Takeoff Crash
Date of Incident: August 16, 1987
Location: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, Michigan, USA
🧭 What Happened
Flight 255, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, crashed shortly after takeoff from Runway 3C at Detroit. The aircraft stalled due to improper takeoff configuration — flaps and slats were not extended. Of the 155 onboard, 154 were killed. Two people on the ground also died. The sole survivor was 4-year-old Cecelia Cichan.
✈️ Aircraft Details
Flight Number: NW255 / NWA255
Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas MD-82
Registration: N312RC
Departure: Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
Destination: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), continuing to Santa Ana (SNA)
Fatalities: 154 onboard + 2 ground
Survivors: 1 (child passenger)
🔍 Key Factors
The crew failed to perform the taxi checklist, resulting in flaps and slats not being extended. The takeoff warning system was disabled due to a loss of electrical power, traced to a circuit breaker. The aircraft lifted off late, rolled violently, and struck light poles before crashing into a road and embankment.
📆 Timeline of Events
- 00:44 UTC – Cleared for takeoff from Runway 3C
- 00:45 UTC – Aircraft rotates; stick shaker activates
- 00:45:19 UTC – First impact with light pole
- 00:45:24 UTC – Final impact and explosion
🎙️ Cockpit Voice & Flight Data
“Rotate.” — First Officer
“Stick shaker starts… stall warning…” — CVR annotation
The CVR captured the takeoff roll, confusion over autothrottle, and stall warnings. No takeoff configuration warning was heard. The FDR confirmed flaps/slats were retracted. Both recorders were recovered and analyzed by the NTSB.
⚙️ Aircraft Systems & Failures
- Flaps and slats not extended for takeoff
- Takeoff warning system disabled due to circuit breaker
- Aircraft stalled at low altitude
- Left wing struck light pole; aircraft rolled and disintegrated
🛡️ Aftermath and Reforms
- NTSB Final Report: AAR-88/05
- FAA issued CRM and checklist compliance advisories
- Memorial erected near Middlebelt Road crash site
- Cecelia Cichan later spoke publicly about her survival