What happened
While being taxied to the gate, an aircraft struck a catering truck with its right wingtip. The collision occurred after the truck had been driven off of the designated driving lanes and partially onto the taxiway.
The flight crew reported that when they last observed the truck, it was traveling in the same direction as the aircraft within the designated driving lanes. Shortly after the cockpit area of the aircraft passed the vehicle, the crew felt an impact. Witnesses stated that the driver of the catering truck left the driving lanes while attempting to maneuver around other ground vehicles that were obstructing the lanes.
Findings
Regulations from the FAA and airport authorities require that vehicle drivers obtain permission from the tower before crossing or operating on runways or taxiways. Additionally, airport rules mandate that vehicle drivers must yield to taxiing aircraft.