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NTSB Report
April 25, 1991 · Boeing 727-223 · N6815
Chicago, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
April 25, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (119 uninjured)
Location
Chicago, IL
Aircraft
Boeing 727-223
Tail Number
N6815
Operator
American Airlines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CHI91IA144
N6815 WAS PUSHED BACK FROM GATE H-3 INTO THE GATE ALLEY. AS THE AIRPLANE WAS BEING TURNED OUT TO TAXI FOR TAKEOFF, THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTACTED THE ELEVATOR OF ANOTHER BOEING 727 WHICH WAS PARKED AT GATE H-1. THE FLIGHT CREW OF N6815 HAD RECEIVED A RELEASE SALUTE FROM THE GROUND CREW PRIOR TO THE TAXI.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE GROUND CREW TO PROPERLY ALIGN THE AIRPLANE IN THE GATE ALLEY DURING THE PUSH BACK FROM THE GATE.
Full Narrative
N6815 WAS PUSHED BACK FROM GATE H-3 INTO THE GATE ALLEY. AS THE AIRPLANE WAS BEING TURNED OUT TO TAXI FOR TAKEOFF, THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER CONTACTED THE ELEVATOR OF ANOTHER BOEING 727 WHICH WAS PARKED AT GATE H-1. THE FLIGHT CREW OF N6815 HAD RECEIVED A RELEASE SALUTE FROM THE GROUND CREW PRIOR TO THE TAXI.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time16:45 CDT
Nearest AirportO'Hare (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBoeing 727-223
Tail NumberN6815
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorAmerican Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines3
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsTurbojet
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (119 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured119
Total119
Crew 1Unknown
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 9 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 18000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:47
Weather SourceWFAC