Casualties unknown

Baggage Tug Collides with Taxiing Airliner Wing at Terminal (N27188)

Anchorage, AK, US

On August 22, 1997, a Fairchild SA227-AC (registration N27188) operated by Merlin Express was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the baggage tug driver's disregard for wet taxiway/ramp conditions, which resulted in his inability to avoid a taxiing airplane as he came around the end of a concourse building. Darkness, rain, and the wet ramp conditions were related factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

A scheduled passenger flight was taxiing when a baggage tug emerged from a concourse and struck the right wingtip area. The tug's brakes were ineffective due to wet surfaces or mechanical failure.

Incident Overview

A scheduled domestic passenger flight operating under 14 CFR Part 121 was taxiing from the terminal building toward the departure runway. As the aircraft moved along the taxiway, a baggage tug emerged from around the end of the adjacent concourse building. The tug driver attempted to stop the vehicle but was unable to avoid a collision with the airplane.

Collision Details

The cab of the baggage tug struck the outboard end of the right wing, approximately 4 feet inboard from the wingtip. The impact caused crushing and tearing of the wing's leading edge. The tug's brakes were reported to be ineffective, either because of wet surfaces on the ramp or due to a mechanical malfunction. At the time of the incident, rain was falling and the airport ramps were wet.

Operational Context

The aircraft was a scheduled passenger flight operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121. No further details about the aircraft type, registration, operator, or flight number were provided in the source. The incident occurred on the airport ramp adjacent to the terminal, during taxi operations.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.