Incident Overview
During night operations under visual conditions, an Embraer ERJ-170 had been pushed back from gate G4 and was positioned facing northwest on taxiway B with its parking brake set. A Boeing 757 was taxiing along the adjacent taxiway A. The 757 captain reported observing the ERJ-170 and ground personnel but found it difficult to judge the distance. To maintain a safety margin, he offset his taxi to the left. He further stated that the presence of a wing walker gave him a "false sense of security."
The wing walker reported signaling with his lighted wands for the 757 to stop, but the aircraft did not halt in time, and the two airplanes collided.
Damage
As a result of the collision, the left wing spar of the ERJ-170 was fractured, causing substantial damage. The Boeing 757 sustained minor damage to its right wing leading edge slat.
Environmental Factors
In the vicinity of the collision, taxiway B has a distinct bend that brings it closer to taxiway A, potentially affecting clearances. The weather at the time of the event was reported as night visual conditions.
Sequence of Events
- The ERJ-170 completed pushback and was stationary on taxiway B with brakes set.
- The 757 taxied on taxiway A; the captain observed the parked aircraft and attempted to increase lateral separation.
- The wing walker, positioned near the ERJ-170, used lighted wands in an effort to stop the 757.
- Despite the signaling, the 757 continued its taxi, resulting in contact between the right wing of the 757 and the left wing of the ERJ-170.