Casualties unknown

Ground Collision Between Alitalia 747 and USAir Fokker F.28 on Taxiway (IDEMC)

Jamaica, NY, US

On June 16, 1990, a Boeing 747-230 (registration IDEMC) was involved in an aviation accident near Jamaica, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE BOEING 747 CAPTAIN MISJUDGED CLEARANCE BETWEEN HIS AIRCRAFT AND THE FOKKER F.28. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE OF THE BOEING 747 CAPTAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 747-230
Photo: Tosaka / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 747-230 struck a stationary Fokker F.28 with its left wing while attempting to pass behind it, causing substantial damage to the Fokker. The 747 captain admitted fault, citing a delay.

Incident Details

On an unspecified date, Alitalia Flight 608, a Boeing 747-230 (registration I-DEMC), was executing a right turn while its crew attempted to pass behind a stationary Fokker F.28 Mk 1000, USAir Flight 1948 (registration N458US). During the turn, the left wing of the 747 struck the rudder and vertical stabilizer of the Fokker. The collision resulted in minor damage to the Boeing 747 and substantial damage to the Fokker F.28.

Aftermath

Following the incident, the captain of the 747 stated that he was “one hour late and trying to make up time.” He also admitted, “It was my fault.” No other details regarding injuries, weather conditions, or air traffic control involvement were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1990 Boeing 747-230 accident near Jamaica, NY?

A Boeing 747-230 struck a stationary Fokker F.28 with its left wing while attempting to pass behind it, causing substantial damage to the Fokker. The 747 captain admitted fault, citing a delay.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1990 involved a Boeing 747-230, registration IDEMC, at Jamaica, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE BOEING 747 CAPTAIN MISJUDGED CLEARANCE BETWEEN HIS AIRCRAFT AND THE FOKKER F.28. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: SELF-INDUCED PRESSURE OF THE BOEING 747 CAPTAIN.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23524. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.