Casualties unknown

Snow Removal Vehicle Stranded on Runway During DC-10 Landing (N123AA)

Chicago, IL, US

On February 11, 1988, a Douglas DC-10 (registration N123AA) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: JUDGEMENTAL ERROR ON THE PART OF THE LOCAL CONTROLLER FOR CLEARING VEHICLES ACROSS THE ACTIVE RUNWAY TIWH INSUFFICIENT SEPARATION FROM ARRIVING AIRCRAFT, WHICH WAS FURTHER COMPROMISED BY A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION IN THE EQUIPMENT CROSSING THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A DC-10 on final approach to runway 9R encountered a snow removal vehicle that became stuck crossing the runway. The crew spotted the vehicle after touchdown and steered around it, completing the landing safely.

Background

At 2245:29 CST, the flight crew of a DC-10 reported at the final approach fix on an ILS approach to runway 9R. The final approach fix was 4.7 miles from the runway. The aircraft was cleared to land.

Incident

Moments later, a snow removal team working on runway 32L requested clearance for four vehicles to cross runway 9R. The tower controller provided clearance. At 2247:28, the lead man of the vehicle group reported that they were clear of the runway. However, when the fourth vehicle was about halfway across the runway, its manual transmission jumped out of gear and the driver had difficulty reengaging it. At 2248:00, the lead man notified the tower of the problem, but by then the DC-10 was already on final approach.

Evasive Action

After the DC-10 touched down and the spoilers deployed (before the nosewheel was lowered), the flight crew saw the vehicle at the edge of the runway. The captain took evasive action, steering the aircraft around the vehicle. The crew then continued the landing without further incident.

Outcome

The aircraft landed safely. No injuries or damage were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25025. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.