1994-09-08: Canadair CL600 — Skywest Airlines — Burbank, CA

Casualties unknown • Burbank, CA, US

Probable cause

the ground crew's failure to follow company procedures. The failure of the operator to provide headsets to communicate with the flightcrew and the poor lighting conditions were factors in this accident.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

THE GROUND CREW WERE NOT USING HEADSETS WHILE PUSHING BACK THE AIRPLANE. THE GROUND CREW DID NOT FOLLOW COMPANY PROCEDURES AND DISCONNECTED THE TOW BAR WITHOUT RECEIVING AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THE FLIGHT CREW. THE GROUND CREW DID UTILIZE HAND SIGNAL PROCEDURES TWICE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO SEE THE CAPTAIN'S RESPONSE DUE TO THE POOR LIGHTING CONDITIONS. THE FLIGHT CREW WAS STARTING THE ENGINES AND DID NOT SEE NOR ACKNOWLEDGE THE PARKING BRAKE SIGNAL. THEY WERE NOT AWARE THAT THE GROUND CREW DISCONNECTED THE TOW BAR. MOMENTS LATER, THE JET ROLLED FORWARD AND STRUCK THE TUG.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-09-08 Canadair CL600 accident near Burbank, CA?

THE GROUND CREW WERE NOT USING HEADSETS WHILE PUSHING BACK THE AIRPLANE. THE GROUND CREW DID NOT FOLLOW COMPANY PROCEDURES AND DISCONNECTED THE TOW BAR WITHOUT RECEIVING AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT FROM THE FLIGHT CREW. THE GROUND CREW DID UTILIZE HAND SIGNAL PROCEDURES TWICE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO SEE THE CAPTAIN'S RESPONSE DUE…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-09-08 involved a Canadair CL600, registration N403SW, operated by Skywest Airlines, at Burbank, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the ground crew's failure to follow company procedures. The failure of the operator to provide headsets to communicate with the flightcrew and the poor lighting conditions were factors in this accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02285. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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