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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 4, 1998 · Douglas DC-10-10F · N68053

Memphis, TN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Memphis, TN
Aircraft
Douglas DC-10-10F
Tail Number
N68053
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA98LA124

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.

NTSB Probable Cause

The tug operator's (maintenance representative) inadequate visual lookout during pushback.

Full Narrative

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."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time03:53 CST
Nearest AirportMemphis International (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDouglas DC-10-10F
Tail NumberN68053
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 121
Engines3
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGe · CF6-6D · Turbofan · 40000
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 46 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind340° @ 16 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point50 / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time10:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data