On December 29, 1995, a Boeing 737-232 (registration N306DL) operated by Delta Air Lines was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, which resulted in a collision with a parked aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Boeing 737-232 sustained damage to its right horizontal stabilizer after a tug driver repositioning a Lockheed L-1011 misjudged clearance, resulting in a collision between the two aircraft on the airport ramp.
What happened
The incident occurred while ground operations were underway at an airport ramp area. A Boeing 737-232 was parked and stationary during the event. Simultaneously, a Lockheed L-1011 was being moved by a tug driver who intended to reposition the aircraft from a maintenance facility toward the passenger terminal.
During this ground maneuvering, the right wing of the moving Lockheed L-1011 made contact with the right horizontal stabilizer of the standing Boeing 737-232. The collision resulted in damage to the stabilizer of the parked jet.
Following the impact, the tug driver operating the L-1011 stated that he believed there was sufficient clearance between his aircraft and the stationary Boeing 737 at the time the collision occurred. No injuries were reported during the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, which resulted in a collision with a parked aircraft.
What happened in the 29 Dec 1995 Boeing 737-232 accident near Atlanta, GA?
A Boeing 737-232 sustained damage to its right horizontal stabilizer after a tug driver repositioning a Lockheed L-1011 misjudged clearance, resulting in a collision between the two aircraft on the airport ramp.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Dec 1995 involved a Boeing 737-232, registration N306DL, operated by Delta Air Lines, at Atlanta, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance while maneuvering the aircraft on the ground, which resulted in a collision with a parked aircraft.
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