Turning Point (Northwest Airlines Flight 85)

Overview

On 9 October 2002, Northwest Airlines Flight 85 is cruising above the Bering Sea, when the lower rudder segment suddenly deflects to the left. The pilots divert the aircraft to a successful emergency landing at Anchorage, Alaska, by using engine thrust for control. The incident was attributed to a fatigue failure of the rudder hydraulic control module, resulting in part of the module's metal casing breaking off.

Guest Stars

Peter Maxwell

Captain Geib

Chris Gillett

Captain Hanson

Philip Shepherd

First Officer Fagan

Karin Coulter McPherson

Flight Attendant

Jeff Pangman

Air Traffic Controller

Deborah Merrick

Investigator

Mike Petersons

John Doherty