1978-12-18: De Havilland DH.114 Heron — Allegheny Commuter — Cleveland-Hopkins, United States of America

No fatalities • Cleveland-Hopkins, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

Probable cause

Ground collision with airport vehicle after ATC personnel issue improper or conflicting instructions. The following contributing factors were reported: - Driver of vehicle, - Ground controller cleared airport vehicle from position on airport to terminal area.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

Following an uneventful flight from Mansfield, the crew was cleared to land at Cleveland-Hopkins Airport. After touchdown, while decelerating on runway, the four engine airplane collided with an airport vehicle that was crossing the runway from a position on airport to terminal area. Following the collision, the crew stopped the airplane on runway and all 17 occupants were evacuated safely. The aircraft was however considered as damaged beyond repair.

Probable cause (official findings): Ground collision with airport vehicle after ATC personnel issue improper or conflicting instructions. The following contributing factors were reported: - Driver of vehicle, - Ground controller cleared airport vehicle from position on airport to terminal area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1978-12-18 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident near Cleveland-Hopkins, United States of America?

Following an uneventful flight from Mansfield, the crew was cleared to land at Cleveland-Hopkins Airport. After touchdown, while decelerating on runway, the four engine airplane collided with an airport vehicle that was crossing the runway from a position on airport to terminal area. Following the collision, the crew…

Were there any fatalities in the 1978-12-18 De Havilland DH.114 Heron accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1978-12-18 involved a De Havilland DH.114 Heron, registration N3FB, operated by Allegheny Commuter, at Cleveland-Hopkins, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Ground collision with airport vehicle after ATC personnel issue improper or conflicting instructions. The following contributing factors were reported: - Driver of vehicle, - Ground controller cleared airport vehicle from position on airport to terminal area.

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