On March 3, 1988, a Hawker Siddeley HS-748 (registration VPLVN) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Thomas. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Damage to the rudder of the Air BVI HS-748 caused by jet blast from an American Airlines aircraft taxiing in close proximity without awareness of the other aircraft's position. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The captain of Air BVI Flight BL-222 reported that the aircraft's rudder was damaged after taxiing behind American Airlines Flight 626, which generated a powerful jet blast while departing its gate.
What happened
The captain of Air BVI Flight BL-222 reported an incident involving damage to their aircraft while waiting for clearance to taxi. As the flight prepared to move, it encountered significant jet blast from American Airlines Flight 626, which was simultaneously taxiing away from its gate. The crew of the American Airlines aircraft was unaware that any aircraft was positioned directly behind them when they initiated their taxi movement.
The force of the jet blast resulted in damage to the rudder of the HS-748. The incident highlights the potential hazards of close proximity operations during ground movements, particularly when one aircraft is generating high-thrust exhaust while another is stationary or moving slowly nearby.
Probable cause
Damage to the rudder of the Air BVI HS-748 caused by jet blast from an American Airlines aircraft taxiing in close proximity without awareness of the other aircraft's position.