Casualties unknown

Collision Between Baggage Van and MD-88 Results in Fire and Evacuation (N938DL)

Atlanta, GA, US

On May 6, 1991, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88 (registration N938DL) operated by Delta Air Lines was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE VAN DRIVER'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND POOR DIVISION OF ATTENTION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N938DL
Aircraft registered N938DL. Photo: redlegsfan21 from Vandalia, OH, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Ford baggage van collided with an MD-88 on the ramp at night. The van caught fire, and the aircraft was evacuated via slides, causing injuries. The driver, properly trained, stated he did not see the aircraft.

Incident

During a nighttime operation, a Ford van used for baggage transport was traveling between the main terminal and a concourse. The van was driving along the designated roadway. After exiting from under the terminal, it began crossing the first ramp area.

Collision

At that point, the van collided with an MD-88 that was positioned in the center of its assigned taxi lane. The ramp and aircraft were well-lit. The left main landing gear of the aircraft rolled into the rear of the van. The impact caused the van to catch fire.

Evacuation

The aircraft was evacuated via emergency slides. The evacuation resulted in injuries to some occupants.

Driver Information

The driver of the van had been trained in accordance with FAA-required procedures and was aware of correct operating procedures. The driver stated that he did not see the aircraft prior to the collision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16907. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.