Near Collision Between FedEx DC-10 and Japan Airlines B-747

Casualties unknown • Chicago, IL, US

A Federal Express DC-10 and a Japan Airlines B-747 narrowly avoided a collision on a non-movement area after the FedEx crew identified insufficient clearance.

What happened

A FedEx DC-10 landed on runway 14L and was instructed by local control to remain on the local control frequency. After landing, the aircraft taxied toward the southwest cargo ramp. Upon turning onto taxiway Kilo 1, the crew observed a Japan Airlines B-747 taxiing from the ramp area toward taxiway Kilo 2.

The crew of the FedEx DC-10 determined that there was insufficient clearance between the two aircraft. To prevent an impact, the FedEx crew used the local control frequency to alert the Japan Airlines aircraft of the impending collision. The captain of the FedEx DC-10 then applied reverse thrust, causing the aircraft to move approximately 15 to 20 feet backward on taxiway Kilo 1.

Following the alert, the Japan Airlines B-747 moved to the right side of the taxiway centerline and continued its taxi toward Kilo 2 while operating on the outbound ground controller's frequency. The incident occurred entirely within a non-movement area, and there were no injuries or damage reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-06-10 Douglas DC-10-30F accident near Chicago, IL?

A Federal Express DC-10 and a Japan Airlines B-747 narrowly avoided a collision on a non-movement area after the FedEx crew identified insufficient clearance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-06-10 involved a Douglas DC-10-30F, registration N302FE, at Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the lack of communications to assure safe operations between aircraft on a non-movement area.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08071. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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