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Ground Collision Between MD-88 and Boeing 727 During Pushback (N944DL)

Boston, MA, US

On March 24, 2000, a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88 (registration N944DL) was involved in an aviation accident near Boston, MA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tug driver's inability to stop the vehicle prior to impact without jamming on the brakes, leading to a controlled stop that was insufficient to prevent collision. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N944DL
Aircraft registered N944DL. Photo: redlegsfan21 from Vandalia, OH, United States / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

An MD-88 collided with a parked Boeing 727 during pushback operations despite signals from ground crew to halt the tug. The incident resulted in damage to both aircraft.

What happened

During ground operations at an airport, a McDonnell Douglas MD-88 was being pushed back toward a stationary Boeing 727. The maneuver involved three ground walkers and a single tug driver coordinating the movement of the jetliner.

As the MD-88 moved backward, all three ground walkers simultaneously signaled for the tug driver to stop. However, the tug driver reported that he was unable to bring the vehicle to a halt prior to impact without jamming on the brakes. Consequently, he elected to make a controlled stop rather than an emergency brake application.

Despite these efforts, the elevator of the MD-88 struck the rudder of the Boeing 727. The collision occurred during the pushback phase of operations, resulting in damage to both aircraft.

Probable cause

The tug driver's inability to stop the vehicle prior to impact without jamming on the brakes, leading to a controlled stop that was insufficient to prevent collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Mar 2000 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88 accident near Boston, MA?

An MD-88 collided with a parked Boeing 727 during pushback operations despite signals from ground crew to halt the tug. The incident resulted in damage to both aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Mar 2000 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Mar 2000 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88, registration N944DL, at Boston, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The tug driver's inability to stop the vehicle prior to impact without jamming on the brakes, leading to a controlled stop that was insufficient to prevent collision.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20713. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.