Probable cause
failure of a cargo tie-down fastener, resulting in unsecured cargo striking the pressure bulkhead.
NTSB analysis
On December 23, 2017 at 1221 Alaska Standard Time (AkST) a Boeing/McDonnell-Douglas DC-9, registration N935CE, experienced a depressurization on initial climb from the Bethel, Alaska, airport (PABE.) The flight crew returned to Bethel and landed with no further incident. There were no injuries to the two flight crew and one cargo handler on board. The depressurization resulted from a pallet jack in the cargo compartment impacting the rear pressure bulkhead, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. Inspection revealed a tie-down fastener for the pallet jack had pulled out.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA18CA056 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 23, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bethel, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Bethel (PABE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mcdonnell Douglas DC 9 33F
- N-number
- N935CE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.