21 May 2021: BOEING 737-7H4 700 — SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO

21 May 2021: BOEING 737-7H4 700 (N289CT) — SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO

No fatalities • Chicago, IL, United States

Probable cause

the failure of the flight crew of N8686A to provide sufficient clearance while taxiing past N289CT, which was stopped.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

According to the operator of both airplanes; N289CT taxied to the assigned gate B-15 and was awaiting the ground marshalling crew. The flight crew of N289CT reported that they positioned the airplane on the J-line leading to the gate parking spot and set the brake while awaiting the ground crew. The marshallers arrived and began to signal the crew into the gate. Shortly after releasing the parking brake, the flight crew reported feeling the airplane shudder and stopped moving. The flight crew noticed the other aircraft taxiing behind with damage to the right wingtip. They then proceeded to the gate and deplaned with no further incident. Inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both elevators.

N8686A was cleared to taxi from gate B14 to Runway 22L via taxiways T and Y. While taxiing NE on taxiway Y, the aircraft's right wingtip struck the aft portion of N289CT's horizontal stabilizer.

Contributing factors

  • Pilot of other aircraft
  • Flight crew

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 210/15kt, vis 10sm

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