B737 flight crew reported the wingtip made contact with other aircraft's horizontal stabilizer during taxi to the gate.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reported the wingtip made contact with other aircraft's horizontal stabilizer during taxi to the gate.
Narrative
While taxiing on Taxiway 1 en route to our gate; we were cleared by both Ground Control and Ramp Control to our Gate X via left turn on Taxiway 2; however; (other carrier) Flight #XXXX; a 737; was in front of us on Taxiway 1 facing south and holding short of Taxiway 2. The Captain and I realized that Taxiway 3; which was to our left; was available and that we could use Taxiway 3 instead to get around the (other carrier) 737 to get to our gate. I proceeded to obtain and received clearance from Ramp Control to use Taxiway 3 to enter the ramp and subsequently called Ground Control and asked for clearance to use Taxiway 3 instead of Taxiway 2 to taxi to the gate to get around the (other carrier) 737. As we made the left turn on Taxiway 3; the Captain asked me if the wingtip was clear; I said yes; as I continued to keep a close eye on our wingtip clearance. After I believed that we were clear of the (other carrier) 737; we then felt a skidding sensation and I mentioned that maybe it was due to the wet taxiway conditions. Shortly thereafter; an aircraft called on Ground frequency and reported that our aircraft made contact with the (other carrier) 737. We then stopped on the ramp and remained on both Ground and Ramp Control frequencies until Airport Operations Personnel inspected both aircraft and cleared us to proceed to the ramp. I believe that my depth perception at the time may have been impaired due to the rain/raindrops on the side windows as I tried to ensure proper wingtip clearance from my vantage point in the flight deck. No need to rush to the gate or at any point in time during a flight for that matter; and if anytime clearance between aircraft is questionable; it's best just to stop and wait to ensure overall Safety.
Second reporter narrative
After landing; ORD Ground Control cleared us to taxi to Gate X via Taxiways 4/5/6/1/2. As we proceeded south on Taxiway 1; traffic was blocking Taxiway 2; and we requested a turn on Taxiway 3; which Ground Control cleared us to do. All surfaces wet and light rain; I made the left turn on Taxiway 3 and stayed left of centerline to ensure wingtip clearance with the (other carrier) 737 that was stopped on Taxiway 1 south of Taxiway 3. The First Officer was looking out the window and informed me the wingtip was clear. Approximately 80% into the turn; we felt a very slight shudder on the landing gear; like a skid. We turned right onto the ramp from Taxiway 3. The aircraft who had been directly behind us on Taxiway 1 informed Ground Control that our wingtip had struck the (other carrier) 737 on Taxiway 1. We stopped the aircraft and were advised by Ground Control that Airport Management would come out to assess the situation. I communicated with the Flight Attendants and made a PA to the Passengers to advise them what had happened. I sent an ACARS message to Dispatch and called Operations to advise them. We shut down the engines and communicated Pilot names and flight information on a discrete frequency. After about 25-30 minutes; we were instructed to taxi to the gate. After block in; I called Dispatch; Operations; and Maintenance and completed the aircraft logbook entry.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.