Incident Overview
A Boeing 737-700, following a Boeing 737-800 to the ramp, experienced a winglet contact with the other aircraft, resulting in substantial damage to the B737-800's right elevator. The event occurred as the B737-700 captain maneuvered around the B737-800 after requesting that aircraft to move forward.
Sequence of Events
The captain of the B737-700 reported that he was cleared to follow the B737-800 to the ramp. The captain of the B737-800 stated that he was cleared to gate E3 but needed to hold near gate E1 to allow ramp personnel to prepare the gate for arrival. Recognizing that his aircraft was blocking the taxiway at the ramp entry, the captain of the B737-700 relayed a request through ramp tower for the B737-800 to move forward. Ramp tower conveyed the request, and the captain of the B737-800 reportedly moved forward approximately 20 to 30 feet.
The B737-700 captain then began to taxi around the right side of the B737-800. However, he reported that the B737-800 did not taxi forward as far as he expected. Concerned about the clearance between his left wingtip and the tail of the B737-800, as well as the right wingtip of the B737-800, he shifted his attention between his wingtip and the other aircraft. While doing so, he felt a shudder as the upper part of the B737-700's left winglet contacted the outer part of the B737-800's right elevator.
Damage
Substantial damage occurred to the right elevator of the B737-800 as a result of the contact.
Aircraft Information
The incident involved a Boeing B737-700 and a Boeing B737-800. No other aircraft details, such as registrations or operators, were provided in the source.
Conclusion
This report is based solely on the information provided in the official investigation source. No probable cause was stated.