BOEING 737 7H4
Nashville, TN — January 9, 2014
Event Information
| Date | January 9, 2014 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | DCA14CA035 |
| Event ID | 20140110X14059 |
| Location | Nashville, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.12667, -86.68195 |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | BOEING |
| Model | 737 7H4 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 121 |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DUSK |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 144 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A buildup of pressure in the coffee filter package resulting in the release of hot coffee and grounds when the potlocking lever was raised, which resulted in 2nd degree burns.
Full Narrative
While preparing coffee service in the aft galley, the C flight attendant (FA) observed the coffee maker emitting an unusual noise and coffee was pooling on the burner. The FA lifted the potlocking lever on the coffee pot and hot coffee and coffee grounds erupted onto her face, neck, and chest. The flight diverted and landed at Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tennessee where medical personnel met the flight at the gate. The FA was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with second-degree burns.
In January of 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration issued Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO) 13001, which addressed reported cases of coffee filter packages bursting in flight during coffee preparation, resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns to flight attendants and bystanders. The SAFO encouraged air carriers and operators to add cautionary instructions and procedures to the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) and training program, warning crew members of the dangers to personnel and equipment.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.