On May 11, 2002, a Boeing 757-33N (registration N552TZ) operated by American Trans Air was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The ground personnel handled the aircraft improperly during pushback from the gate by failing to maintain clearance with the other parked aircraft. The light rain and the parked airplane that was contacted were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Photo: Ryanmac06 at English Wikipedia / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
An ATA Boeing 757 struck a parked SWA Boeing 737 at a gate during pushback. Wing walkers signaled with an X, but the tug driver lost visual contact. Light rain was present.
Accident Details
During pushback from a gate, an ATA Boeing 757 collided with a parked SWA Boeing 737 at another gate. Wing walkers for the ATA aircraft reported that they raised the "X" signal when they observed the airplane approaching too close to the stationary SWA 737. The tug driver stated that he lost visual contact with the wing walkers due to obstruction by the landing gear. After the collision was confirmed, the ATA 757 was pulled back to its original gate.
Environmental Conditions
Light rain was reported at the time of the accident.
Witness and Crew Reports
Witnesses observed the collision. The captain of the ATA Boeing 757 noted that following the impact, the aircraft was returned to the gate.
What happened in the 11 May 2002 Boeing 757-33N accident near Chicago, IL?
An ATA Boeing 757 struck a parked SWA Boeing 737 at a gate during pushback. Wing walkers signaled with an X, but the tug driver lost visual contact. Light rain was present.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 May 2002 involved a Boeing 757-33N, registration N552TZ, operated by American Trans Air, at Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The ground personnel handled the aircraft improperly during pushback from the gate by failing to maintain clearance with the other parked aircraft. The light rain and the parked airplane that was contacted were factors.
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