MD-88 wing collision during taxi at airport

Casualties unknown • Houston, TX, US

An MD-88 aircraft collided with parked ground equipment and a trailer while taxiing to a gate following landing.

What happened

After completing a landing on runway 12R, the MD-88 was instructed by ground control to cross runway 22 and proceed to the gate. While taxiing toward gate 26 via taxiway Zulu, the left wing of the aircraft struck a parked forklift as well as a truck and trailer that was loaded with aluminum siding material.

The pilot reported that the aircraft was being operated along the centerline of the taxiway during the incident. The crew was unaware that a collision had occurred until the aircraft reached the terminal.

Findings

At the time of the incident, taxiway Zulu was closed due to ongoing construction. However, this closure had not been communicated via the ATIS, NOTAMs, or the company dispatcher's release. Additionally, the ground controller did not notify the flight that taxiway Zulu was closed to traffic.

Probable cause

The collision occurred because the aircraft taxied on a closed taxiway due to a failure to communicate construction closures through official aeronautical information services and air traffic control instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-07-02 Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88 accident near Houston, TX?

An MD-88 aircraft collided with parked ground equipment and a trailer while taxiing to a gate following landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-07-02 involved a Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88, registration N911DL, operated by Delta Airlines, at Houston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision occurred because the aircraft taxied on a closed taxiway due to a failure to communicate construction closures through official aeronautical information services and air traffic control instructions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020703X01048. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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