What happened
During taxi operations following landing, a Cessna (registration not provided) struck an object while passing an intersection between a taxiway and an airport service road. The captain brought the aircraft to a stop but was initially unable to identify the object struck. Upon continuing left onto the next intersecting taxiway, the crew observed an overturned tug located along the south edge of the taxiway at the service road intersection.
The passengers were deplaned at the assigned gate without further incident. Witnesses traveling in a van behind the tug reported that the vehicle failed to stop short of the taxiway and entered the taxiway as the aircraft approached. The right wing of the aircraft struck the tug, causing it to flip over. The driver of the tug was hospitalized for injuries sustained during the collision.
At the time of the accident, surface visibility was 10 miles with no precipitation or restrictions to visibility, though witnesses noted the taxiway was wet at the service road intersection.
Findings
- The tug driver had no recollection of the events surrounding the accident.
- Airport Ground Motor Vehicle Operation Regulations Manual requires all ground vehicle operators to yield the right-of-way to an aircraft in motion.