1998-07-25: Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83 — Trans World Airlines — Saint Louis, MO

Casualties unknown • Saint Louis, MO, US

Probable cause

the failure of the flight crew to maintain clearance from the sweeper truck. A factor in the incident was the sweeper truck.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Trans World Airlines (TWA) flight 150 had just landed and was taxing to the gate. A sweeper truck was stopped on taxiway 'A' across from taxiway 'T', with the operator out of the truck picking up debris. The flight crew saw the truck and operator, but the first officer 'determined that the sweeper was located well clear of our aircrafts path.' The aircraft struck the sweeper truck. The flight crew thought they hit a pothole, and did not report it to Air Traffic Control (ATC). Another TWA flight saw the sweeper operator on the ground and notified ATC.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-07-25 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83 accident near Saint Louis, MO?

Trans World Airlines (TWA) flight 150 had just landed and was taxing to the gate. A sweeper truck was stopped on taxiway 'A' across from taxiway 'T', with the operator out of the truck picking up debris. The flight crew saw the truck and operator, but the first officer 'determined that the sweeper was located well…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-07-25 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-83, registration N9620D, operated by Trans World Airlines, at Saint Louis, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the flight crew to maintain clearance from the sweeper truck. A factor in the incident was the sweeper truck.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10484. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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