MEMPHIS, TN, USA
N68053
Douglas DC-10-10F
The tug operator (maintenance representative) was pushing back an airplane at an angle from a nose dock. A wing walker yelled for the tug operator to stop; however the airplane collided with the nose dock before the tug operator could stop the tug.
On April 4, 1998, about 0353 central standard time, a Douglas DC-10-10F, N68053, registered to Federal Express Corporation, operating as a 14 CFR Part 121 supplemental domestic international cargo flight, collided with a nose dock on pushback at the Memphis International Airport, Memphis, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot-in-command, first officer, and flight engineer reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The ground power operator stated he removed the ground power unit from the airplane. The tug operator (maintenance representative) was pushing back the airplane. He noticed that the tug operator was pushing back at an angle and was getting the airplane close to the nose dock. He yelled at the tug operator to stop the pushback; however, the airplane collided with the nose dock before he could stop the tug. Review of the FedEx Aircraft Ramp Operations R7-5-25 AIRCRAFT TOWING/PUSHBACK POLICY states, "The maintenance representative is fully responsible for the pushback and towing of aircraft with assistance from the ramp personnel as required."
The tug operator's (maintenance representative) inadequate visual lookout during pushback.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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