In CRM class at AA virtually all the incidents discussed were ALWAYS about the "Stupid 80". I suggested we could improve the safety of the airline and shorten the CRM course by simply selling the MD80 fleet.
That was met with a cold stare from the instructor. AA does have 400 or so of them, and they are half of American's fleet, but they are involved in a disproportionate number of incidents.
I have never flown the 80 myself, and those in the 80 program swear by the aircraft. I think its a combination of stockholm syndrome and a cult myself
No actual comment on the indident here, just an amusing story from the school house.
Cheers
Wino