Casualties unknown

1989-01-18: Fairchild SA227AC (N26895) — Skywest Airlines — Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles, CA, US

On January 18, 1989, a Fairchild SA227AC (registration N26895) operated by Skywest Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Los Angeles, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL TANKER DRIVER TO SEE AND AVOID THE MOVING AIRCRAFT. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE DRIVER'S OBSTRUCTED VISIBILITY THROUGH THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE'S CAB, AND THE DUSK LIGHT CONDITIONS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A fuel tanker truck collided with an SA227 aircraft on a taxiway, partially severing its left wing. The driver failed to stop at a 'Stop for Aircraft' sign and did not see the aircraft until it was too late.

Collision

An SA227 aircraft, after landing, was taxiing northbound toward the gate with its taxi, landing, recognition, and strobe lights turned off. At the intersection of the vehicle service road and the taxiway, an eastbound fuel tanker truck failed to stop at a posted 'Stop for Aircraft' sign. The truck collided with the aircraft, partially severing its left wing.

Driver's View

The driver of the fuel tanker truck reported that he did not observe the aircraft until it was directly in front of his truck, at which point it was too late to stop. The driver's view was partially restricted: the area from the 1:30 to 2:00 position was blocked by the truck's structure, and the view from 2:00 to 3:00 was considerably obstructed by the truck's cage structure and the equipment contained within it.

Airport Regulations

Airport regulations require that 'low silhouette' aircraft taxi with their landing lights on until they are clear of taxiways and intersecting vehicle access roads.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27600. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.