Incident Overview
A Douglas DC-8, operating as Flight #638, collided with the radome of a parked McDonnell Douglas DC-10 while taxiing on the United States Postal Service (USPS) Eagle Hub Ramp. The accident occurred during the C-Net operations period, which runs for the two weeks prior to Christmas and involves modified parking and taxi routes to accommodate increased cargo flights with larger aircraft. Temporary dashed green taxi lines are painted on the ramp specifically for these operations.
Sequence of Events
According to the DC-8 crew, the marshaller first signaled them to pull forward out of the parking spot. Subsequently, the marshaller signaled for a left turn to follow the green taxi line. However, the marshaller released the aircraft before it intercepted the taxi line. It was during this turn that the two aircraft collided.
Aftermath
Following the accident, the ground handling contractor revised its procedures. The new procedures specify that one marshaller will guide the aircraft out of the parking spot and onto the appropriate taxi line, at which point a second marshaller will assume control and direct the crew through the ramp area.
Aircraft Information
The accident involved a DC-8 (Flight #638) and a parked DC-10. No further details on registrations, engine counts, or occupants were provided in the source.
Key Points
- The collision occurred on the USPS Eagle Hub Ramp.
- C-Net operations were in effect, with modified taxi routes and temporary markings.
- The marshaller released the DC-8 prior to it reaching the taxi line.
- The ground handling contractor subsequently changed procedures to involve two marshallers for ramp guidance.