Incident Overview
On May 30, 2012, at about 1300 central daylight time, two aircraft were involved in a ground collision at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, Illinois. American Eagle Airlines flight 4265, an Embraer EMB-135 (registration N834AE), was holding in the ramp area. EVA Air flight 661, a Boeing 747-400 (registration B16481), was taxiing and struck the EMB-135. The EMB-135 sustained substantial damage to its rudder and vertical stabilizer, while the 747 received minor damage to its wingtip and slat. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew on either aircraft. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
Sequence of Events
The EMB-135 was holding in the ramp area with its tail protruding into taxiway (TWY) A while awaiting ground personnel to marshal it into gate G20. The 747 was initially parked at cargo bay SC6 and had been instructed to taxi to runway 32L for departure. After crossing runway 28 and taxiing along TWY A, the 747 flight crew observed the EMB-135 stopped short of gate G20. As the 747 approached, the captain stated he knew the clearance would be tight and asked the other two flight crew members to help ensure sufficient wingtip clearance. Both crew members indicated that, from their perspective in the cockpit, there should be enough clearance. As the 747 taxied past the EMB-135, the leading edge slat of the B747 struck the vertical stabilizer of the EMB-135.
Damage and Injuries
The EMB-135 received substantial damage to its rudder and vertical stabilizer. The 747 received minor damage to its wingtip and slat. There were no injuries to any passengers or crew on either aircraft.