NTSB Identification: DCA94MA038 For details, refer to NTSB Imaging System

Scheduled 14 CFR 121 operation of CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
Accident occurred MAR-02-94 at FLUSHING, NY
Aircraft: MCDONNELL DOUGLAS MD-82, registration: N18835
Injuries: 30 Minor, 86 Uninjured.

THE AIRPLANE RAN OFF THE END OF THE RUNWAY DURING A REJECTED TAKEOFF, COMING TO REST ON A DIKE AND A TIDAL MUD FLAT. FDR DATA CONFIRMED THAT THE PITOT HEAT HAD NOT BEEN SELECTED "ON" BY THE FLIGHTCREW. A BUILDUP OF SNOW AND/OR ICE IN THE PITOT/STATIC SYSTEM TUBES AND PORTS RESULTED IN ERRONEOUS AIRSPEED READINGS DURING THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF. SUBSTANTIAL DEVIATIONS FROM CHECKLIST PROCEDURES WERE RECORDED ON THE CVR. 19 SECONDS ELAPSED BETWEEN THE TIME THAT THE AIRPLANE ACTUALLY ACCELERATED THROUGH 60 KIAS (THE FIRST MARK ON THE AIRSPEED INDICATOR) AND THE START OF THE REJECTED TAKEOFF.
Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE FLIGHTCREW TO COMPLY WITH CHECKLIST PROCEDURES TO TURN ON AN OPERABLE PITOT/STATIC HEAT SYSTEM, RESULTING IN ICE AND/OR SNOW BLOCKAGE OF THE PITOT TUBES THAT PRODUCED ERRONEOUS AIRSPEED INDICATIONS, AND THE FLIGHTCREW'S UNTIMELY RESPONSE TO ANOMALOUS AIRSPEED INDICATIONS WITH THE CONSEQUENT REJECTION OF TAKEOFF AT AN ACTUAL SPEED OF 5 KNOTS ABOVE V1. (NTSB REPORT AAR-95/01)

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