Taxiway Collision Between Delta Airlines and American Airlines Aircraft

Casualties unknown • Boston, MA, US

A Boeing 737-800 holding short of runway 27 sustained damage to its horizontal stabilizer after being struck by the wing tip of a taxiing Boeing 767-200.

What happened

While operating under air traffic control instructions, Delta Airlines flight 1823, a Boeing 737-800, was positioned on taxiway D-1 holding short of runway 27. Simultaneously, American Airlines flight 1547, a Boeing 767-200, was instructed to taxi to runway 27 via taxiway D.

The crew of the Delta 737 reported that the aircraft was stationary at the runway 27 hold line with the parking brakes engaged when they experienced a "violent shudder." Upon looking back, the crew observed the American Airlines aircraft taxiing past them on taxiway D. During this movement, the right wing tip of the Boeing 767 struck the left elevator and horizontal stabilizer of the Boeing 737, causing substantial damage to those components.

The flight crew of the American 767 noted that sun glare was affecting visibility through the windscreen. However, they had observed the Delta aircraft holding short, and the captain believed there was sufficient clearance to proceed with the taxi.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-04-09 Boeing 767-200ER accident near Boston, MA?

A Boeing 737-800 holding short of runway 27 sustained damage to its horizontal stabilizer after being struck by the wing tip of a taxiing Boeing 767-200.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-04-09 involved a Boeing 767-200ER, registration N328AA, operated by American Airlines Inc, at Boston, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Boeing 767 captain's misjudgment of the distance between his airplane and the stationary Boeing 737, which resulted in a ground collision. A factor was sunglare.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010416X00753. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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