N454AA

Probable cause: American Airlines maintenance personnel s use of an inappropriate manual engine start procedure, which led to the uncommanded opening of the left engine air turbine starter valve, and a subsequent left engine fire, which was prolonged by the flight crew s interruption of an emergency checklist to perform nonessential tasks. Contributing to the accident were deficiencies in American Airlines Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System program.

Probable cause: A fractured nose gear spray deflector due to contact with a tow bar during pushback, which subsequently jammed and prevented nose gear extension during landing. A factor in this accident was the tow operator's failure to detect the damaged spray deflector.