Wing Panel Loss Due to Metal Fatigue

The National Transportation Safety Board continues its probe of US Airways Flight 1250 in which a wing panel, measuring about 4 feet by 5 feet, separated from the B-757 on March 22, 2008 while flying over Maryland. Although the separated wing panel has not been located, investigators have been able to examine the remaining components of the assembly to determine why the panel fastening system failed. Initial examination of these components revealed that two of the three clips that secured the leading edge of the panel to the wing had failed due to metal fatigue sometime prior to the incident flight. The remaining clip failed during flight 1250, causing the panel to separate from the aircraft.