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Boeing 747 Wing Strikes Light Pole During Taxi to Parking (GVOIG)

Newark, NJ, US

On August 11, 1992, a Boeing 747-238 (registration GVOIG) operated by Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ltd. was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY'S FAILURE TO ASSURE ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE FOR AIRCRAFT MANUEVERING AROUND THE RAMP AREA. 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 747-238
Photo: Tosaka / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 747 struck a light pole while maneuvering into parking space No. 4, severing a 6-foot section. A similar incident occurred months earlier. The area was later restricted to narrowbody aircraft.

Incident Details

After landing, the crew was instructed to taxi to a holding area known as 'Yankee Aircraft Parking' to await a gate assignment. While maneuvering into parking space No. 4, the right wing tip struck a light pole, severing a 6-foot section of the pole.

Similar Prior Incident

A similar incident had occurred several months prior involving another Boeing 747, also affecting parking space No. 4.

Response and Restrictions

Following the incident, the Port Authority restricted the use of the parking space No. 4 area to narrowbody aircraft only.

No information was provided regarding aircraft registration, operator, location, date, time of day, weather, injuries, fatalities, or ATC involvement. The source did not state a probable cause.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Aug 1992 Boeing 747-238 accident near Newark, NJ?

A Boeing 747 struck a light pole while maneuvering into parking space No. 4, severing a 6-foot section. A similar incident occurred months earlier. The area was later restricted to narrowbody aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Aug 1992 Boeing 747-238 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Aug 1992 involved a Boeing 747-238, registration GVOIG, operated by Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ltd., at Newark, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY'S FAILURE TO ASSURE ADEQUATE OBSTACLE CLEARANCE FOR AIRCRAFT MANUEVERING AROUND THE RAMP AREA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15504. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.