On December 15, 2003, a Canadair CL-600-2B19 (registration N445AW) was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tug operator's loss of control and his failure to maintain clearance from the aircraft during pushback operations. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During pushback in dark, wet conditions, a tug slid left while the aircraft moved right, the shear pin broke, and the tug collided with the fuselage after the driver jumped, damaging nine ribs.
Incident Details
A ground incident occurred during the pushback of an aircraft from a gate. The ramp surface was wet and lighting conditions were dark at the time of the pushback operation.
Sequence of Events
During the pushback, the tug operator attempted to stop the airplane on the ramp. For undetermined reasons, the tug slid to the left as the airplane moved to the right. The shear pin on the tow bar subsequently broke, allowing the airplane to turn further to the right. The tug driver jumped from the tug before it collided with the right side of the aircraft's fuselage.
Damage
Examination of the airplane revealed damage to nine ribs on the bottom side of the fuselage. No other damage details were reported.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 15 Dec 2003 Canadair CL-600-2B19 accident near Miami, FL?
During pushback in dark, wet conditions, a tug slid left while the aircraft moved right, the shear pin broke, and the tug collided with the fuselage after the driver jumped, damaging nine ribs.
Were there any fatalities in the 15 Dec 2003 Canadair CL-600-2B19 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 15 Dec 2003 involved a Canadair CL-600-2B19, registration N445AW, at Miami, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The tug operator's loss of control and his failure to maintain clearance from the aircraft during pushback operations.
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