Casualties unknown

Ground Collision Between DC-9-30 and Fuel Truck During Taxi (N927VJ)

Philadelphia, PA, US

On September 2, 1998, a Douglas DC-9-30 (registration N927VJ) was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the fuel truck driver to follow airport operating procedures, and yield the right-of-way to the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A DC-9-30 struck a fuel truck while taxiing into an alleyway entrance between terminal concourses. The fuel truck had crossed from behind a stopped airplane. Both drivers had visibility restrictions, and the truck driver was attempting to reverse when hit.

Overview

A DC-9-30 aircraft, having cleared the runway, was taxiing into an alleyway entrance located between terminal concourses. During this movement, its left wing struck a fuel truck that was traveling on a service road.

Vehicle and Aircraft Movements

The fuel truck was proceeding from left to right and emerged from behind a stopped airplane that was parked on the ramp. At the moment of impact, the truck was approximately 150 feet beyond a vehicle stop sign.

Visibility and Operating Procedures

The fuel truck driver reported that he had stopped at the stop sign prior to crossing the alleyway entrance. The stop sign required a stop only if aircraft were present. Furthermore, drivers were instructed that aircraft had the right of way over vehicles.

Visibility was limited for both operators. The fuel truck driver's view to the right was obstructed by equipment on the truck and by the parked airplane. Similarly, the pilot's view to the left was restricted by the same stopped airplane.

Sequence of Events

As the fuel truck came into view from behind the stopped airplane, the driver saw the aircraft, stopped, and began to back out of the way. At that point, the aircraft struck the truck. The aircraft's left main landing gear tire left skid marks measuring 47 feet in length on the ramp.

Aftermath

No further details about injuries, damage extent, or subsequent actions are provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11147. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.