Eastern Airlines Flight 494

Shortly after takeoff from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Eastern Airlines Flight 494 experienced an unintended deployment of reverse thrust of the #2 engine. This caused the aircraft to quickly roll to the right with no control by the crew. Captain James Robertson and First Officer J.L. Bellmer quickly shut down the #2 engine. Afterwards, the crew was able to regain control of the aircraft while still in a turn just a few knots before stalling. The crew was then able to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after conducting a standard single-engine landing. There was no training provided or available for identifying an unintentional deployment of reverse thrust and recovery procedures.[1]

From left, F/O J.L. Bellmer and Capt. James Robertson. receiving the Superior Airmanship Award

The reverse thrust system of the engines are controlled by a hydraulic system for activation and deactivation.[2] The hydraulic system controlling the reverse thrust of engine #2 had failed, causing the clam-shell thrust reversers to catch the incoming airflow which was strong enough to pull the reverse thrust clam shells out. The safety mechanisms for preventing accidental deployment were also found to be defective.

An unintentional deployment of reverse thrust on one engine during a commercial flight is known to ensure complete loss of control due to the sudden opposing forces from the engines on each side.

The crew was able to quickly identify a thrust reverser likely deployed and quickly cut fuel to the engine, eliminating the reverse forces on one side. The aircraft landed safely with one engine operating.

Due to the quick thinking of First Officer J.L. Bellmer and Captain James Robertson in recognizing the situation they were facing and shutting down the affected engine, they both received the Airline Pilots Association Superior Airmanship award for their heroic efforts in saving the aircraft in a situation that is often known as a death-sentence.

On May 26, 1991, a Boeing 767-300 operating as Lauda Air Flight 004 experienced an un-commanded reverse thrust deployment while cruising. This cause the aircraft to "spin-over" and stall, killing all souls on board.