Wingtip Collision Between Boeing 727 and Bombardier CRJ

Casualties unknown • New York, NY, US

A Boeing 727 wing struck the winglet of a stationary Bombardier CRJ during nighttime taxi operations at a taxiway split.

What happened

At night, a Bombardier CL-600 Regional Jet (CRJ) was positioned at a taxiway split, where one taxiway branches into two. The aircraft was stationary with its parking brake set as the crew waited for preceding aircraft to clear the path ahead on one of the taxiways.

During this time, a Boeing 727 attempted to maneuver behind the CRJ, passing obliquely using the other available taxiway. The captain of the Boeing 727 was aware of the CRJ's position and believed there was sufficient clearance to pass safely. As the Boeing 727 proceeded along the taxiway centerline, the crew experienced a slight physical bump, which they initially attributed to a seam in the concrete pavement.

Shortly after the sensation, the Boeing crew heard the CRJ crew report an impact over the radio. The investigation confirmed that the left wing of the Boeing 727 had struck the right winglet of the Bombardier CRJ. The collision occurred from an aft-to-forward direction. There were no injuries reported following the contact.

Probable cause

The Boeing 727's left wing struck the CRJ's right winglet due to the Boeing crew attempting to pass the stationary aircraft with insufficient clearance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-10-24 Bombardier CL-600 accident near New York, NY?

A Boeing 727 wing struck the winglet of a stationary Bombardier CRJ during nighttime taxi operations at a taxiway split.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-10-24 involved a Bombardier CL-600, registration N804CA, at New York, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Boeing 727's left wing struck the CRJ's right winglet due to the Boeing crew attempting to pass the stationary aircraft with insufficient clearance.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22245. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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