Probable cause
Incorrect lubrication of the foreflap fitting assembly.
NTSB analysis
The flight crew reported that upon arrival at KMIA, another flight reported seeing something fly off their airplane. Post-flight inspection revealed damage to the right-hand inboard flaps, fuselage and right horizontal stabilizer. Upon lowering flaps, a section of the trailing edge flap was also missing. Examination of the damaged components revealed that the right inboard foreflap fitting assembly had not been lubricated in accordance with a manufacturer’s service bulletin.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA22LA038 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 29, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Miami (KMIA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Boeing 747-4B5F
- N-number
- N705CK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.