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Baggage Cart Strikes Parked Airplane Stabilon (N253GL)

Telluride, CO, US

On November 23, 2005, a Beech 1900D (registration N253GL) was involved in an aviation accident near Telluride, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The tug driver's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the airplane resulting in the baggage cart striking the airplane's stabilon. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A baggage cart struck and damaged the left-hand stabilon of a parked airplane while the agent attempted to position the cart for baggage unloading.

Background

The airplane was parked with the engines shut down, the parking brake set, and the wheels chocked. The captain stated that passengers remained on board while some baggage was offloaded from the aft baggage compartment to avoid overloading the landing gear struts.

Sequence of Events

The captain opened the door and exited the airplane to meet the agent. The agent approached the airplane driving a tug pulling a baggage cart. According to the captain, while the agent turned the corner to line up the baggage cart with the airplane, the cart struck and damaged the left-hand stabilon.

The agent reported driving clockwise around the airplane to position the cart for baggage unloading. He noted that he was close enough to the airplane that the top right corner of the baggage cart hit the stabilon.

Findings

The baggage cart involved was new and taller than those previously used at the airport. This was the first time the agent had operated this particular cart. No other factors were identified in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beechcraft 1900 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Nov 2005 Beech 1900D accident near Telluride, CO?

A baggage cart struck and damaged the left-hand stabilon of a parked airplane while the agent attempted to position the cart for baggage unloading.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Nov 2005 Beech 1900D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Nov 2005 involved a Beech 1900D, registration N253GL, at Telluride, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The tug driver's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the airplane resulting in the baggage cart striking the airplane's stabilon. A factor contributing to the incident was the tug driver's failure to consider the extra height of the cart in relation to the other carts used on the airport.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051130X01905. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.