What happened
While taxiing to runway 22L for takeoff at Chicago Midway International Airport, an unspecified aircraft collided with a perimeter fence. The crew had been advised of a nine-minute delay and maneuvered the aircraft away from other departing traffic to a position west of Terminal C, east of the hold short line. During a final left turn, which the captain and first officer were closely monitoring for proximity to the fence, the nose wheel skipped as if crossing wet or slick pavement. Following the maneuver, a flight attendant reported that a passenger noticed the wing had struck the fence.
The aircraft was found parked by the hold short line for runway 22L, positioned off the taxiway centerline with its right wing tip embedded in the perimeter fence.
The investigation
The inspection of the unspecified aircraft revealed that approximately the outboard four-foot section of the right wing's leading edge slat was crushed rearward. The slat was found embedded in a yellow I-beam channel that supported the gray perimeter fence panels. Additionally, a leading edge wing rib was dented, bowed, and featured a crack measuring approximately 1.25 inches. The airport perimeter fence also sustained damage.
Findings
- The aircraft was not positioned on a taxiway centerline during the incident.
- The area involved was marked as a movement area.
- The operator's safety recommendation suggested that Jeppesen charts for Chicago Midway be revised to designate this specific area as a "Push Back Zone" and include a note that aircraft should not taxi into any part of said zone.