Casualties unknown

Ground Collision Between MD-80 and Commuter Aircraft on Taxiway (N491AA)

Dfw Airport, TX, US

On July 27, 1991, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-80 (registration N491AA) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Dfw Airport, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CAPTAIN MISJUDGED CLEARANCE BETWEEN HIS AIRCRAFT AND THE STANDING COMMUTER AIRPLANE. A FACTOR WAS THE FAILURE OF THE SECOND PILOT TO IDENTIFY A HYDROPLANE CONDITION. 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

Two commuter aircraft were instructed to taxi and hold at Runway 36R, followed by an MD-80 cleared to taxi past them. The MD-80's right wing tip struck a commuter's tail cone. The first officer reported being busy in the cockpit.

Incident Overview

Two commuter aircraft received instructions to taxi on Taxiway F, turn onto Taxiway 32, and hold for departure from Runway 36R. An MD-80 followed them, remaining on Taxiway F, and was cleared to taxi past and behind the commuter aircraft.

Sequence of Events

The pilot of the MD-80 attempted to taxi by the stationary aircraft. During this maneuver, the right wing tip of the MD-80 struck the tail cone area of one of the commuter aircraft.

Pilot Statements

The first officer of the MD-80 stated that he and the captain were occupied in the cockpit when the impact occurred.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17570. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.