B737 flight crew and ramp agent reported the aircraft wingtip stuck an antennae of a fuel truck during pushback; resulting in damage to the aircraft wingtip.

Date: 2025-11 · Aircraft: B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model · Phase: taxi

Anomalies: Aircraft equipment problem criticalConflict ground conflictLess severeDeviation discrepancy procedural published material policyGround event encounter vehicle

Synopsis

Narrative

Pushback commenced normally with a standard sequence of events. We were given clearance to push from gate XXX to spot A. Captain gave command 'brakes released cleared to push spot A.' Pushback crew read back appropriate instructions. A minute into the pushback the left wing marsheller gave the command to stop pushback and the tug driver did so in a smooth manner. The flight deck was then told that the bottom of the left wing tip had come into contact with a fuel truck antenna. At time of occurrence and position of aircraft there was no indication from the flight deck that it had made contact with anything. Maintenance was called. Maintenance determined to take the aircraft out of service. The pushback crew was replaced and the new crew towed the aircraft back to gate XXX. Passengers deplaned and moved to different gate/ aircraft.

Second reporter narrative

Upon pushback from gate XXX heading towards spot A; the left wingtip came into contact with the antenna of a ground vehicle which was stationary abeam gate XXY. The contact was unknown to the flight crew. One minute after pushback commenced; pushback crew brought us to a smooth stop and informed us that contact was made. They advised the captain to set the parking brake and that maintenance was called out to inspect the wingtip for damage. Maintenance ultimately determined that there was a sufficient amount of damage which required us to return to the same gate which we departed from. At no time was the aircraft under its own power; or disconnected from the push tug. A plane swap was performed.

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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.

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