Aviation Accident Summary NYC05LA043

Covington, KY, USA

Aircraft #1

N373DL

Boeing 737-247

Analysis

The airplane was parked at a gate and boarding passengers, when it was struck on it's right side by a catering truck. Damage to the fuselage included a 6-inch, by 14-inch puncture, and several small dents. In addition, two formers and one stringer were damaged. The driver of the catering truck reported that he was approaching the airplane, when he received a radio call. While talking over the radio, he inadvertently stepped on the accelerator, and the truck subsequently struck the airplane.

Factual Information

On January 17, 2005, about 1240 eastern standard time, a Boeing 737-247, N373DL, was substantially damaged when it was struck by a catering truck, while parked at the Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Covington, Kentucky. The 2 airline transport certificated flight crewmembers, 2 flight attendants, and 10 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the scheduled flight operated by Delta Airlines, as fight 583. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. According to a representative from Delta Airlines, the airplane was parked at gate B18, and was in the process of boarding passengers, when it was struck on it's right side by a catering truck. Damage to the fuselage included a 6-inch, by 14-inch puncture, and several small dents. In addition, two formers and one stringer were damaged. The driver of the catering truck reported that he was approaching the airplane when he received a radio call. While talking over the radio, he inadvertently stepped on the accelerator, and the truck subsequently struck the airplane. The driver had been hired about 1 month prior to the accident.

Probable Cause and Findings

The catering truck driver's failure to maintain clearance of the parked airplane by his inadvertent depressing the accelerator. A factor in this accident was the catering truck driver's diverted attention.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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