Incident Overview
During taxi to the gate, an aircraft's right wingtip struck a catering truck. The truck had driven off the designated driving lanes and partially onto the taxiway.
Crew and Witness Accounts
The flight crew reported that they last observed the truck traveling in the same direction within the designated driving lanes. Shortly after the cockpit area of the aircraft passed the truck, they felt an impact. Witnesses reported that the truck left the driving lanes as the driver was maneuvering around other ground vehicles that were obstructing the driving lanes.
Regulatory Context
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport rules required that vehicle drivers obtain permission from the tower before crossing or operating on runways or taxiways. Additionally, airport rules stated that vehicle drivers shall yield to taxiing aircraft.