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NTSB Report
May 6, 1991 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88 · N938DL
Atlanta, GA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 6, 1991
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (1 serious injury, 4 minor injuries), 97 uninjured
Location
Atlanta, GA
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD-88
Tail Number
N938DL
Operator
Delta Air Lines
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL91FA090
A FORD VAN USED FOR BAGGAGE TRANSPORT WAS TRANSITING, AT NIGHT, BETWEEN THE MAIN TERMINAL AND A CONCOURSE. IT WAS BEING DRIVEN ALONG THE DESIGNATED ROADWAY. WHILE CROSSING THE FIRST RAMP AREA AFTER EXITING FROM UNDER THE TERMINAL, THE VAN COLLIDED WITH A MD-88. THE RAMP & ACFT WERE WELL LIT & THE ACFT WAS IN THE CENTER OF ITS ASSIGNED TAXI LANE. THE LEFT MAIN LDG GEAR ROLLED INTO THE REAR OF THE VAN & THE VAN CAUGHT FIRE. THE ACFT WAS EVACUATED VIA EMERGENCY SLIDES WHICH RESULTED IN INJURIES. THE VAN DRIVER HAD BEEN TRAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAA REQUIRED PROCEDURES & WAS AWARE OF CORRECT OPERATING PROCEDURES. HE STATED HE DID NOT SEE THE ACFT.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE VAN DRIVER'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT AND POOR DIVISION OF ATTENTION.
Full Narrative
A FORD VAN USED FOR BAGGAGE TRANSPORT WAS TRANSITING, AT NIGHT, BETWEEN THE MAIN TERMINAL AND A CONCOURSE. IT WAS BEING DRIVEN ALONG THE DESIGNATED ROADWAY. WHILE CROSSING THE FIRST RAMP AREA AFTER EXITING FROM UNDER THE TERMINAL, THE VAN COLLIDED WITH A MD-88. THE RAMP & ACFT WERE WELL LIT & THE ACFT WAS IN THE CENTER OF ITS ASSIGNED TAXI LANE. THE LEFT MAIN LDG GEAR ROLLED INTO THE REAR OF THE VAN & THE VAN CAUGHT FIRE. THE ACFT WAS EVACUATED VIA EMERGENCY SLIDES WHICH RESULTED IN INJURIES. THE VAN DRIVER HAD BEEN TRAINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAA REQUIRED PROCEDURES & WAS AWARE OF CORRECT OPERATING PROCEDURES. HE STATED HE DID NOT SEE THE ACFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:18 EDT
Nearest AirportHartsfield Atlanta Intl (0nm N)
Runway27
Runway Length9000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionGrd
Aircraft
AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD-88
Tail NumberN938DL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDelta Air Lines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsP&W · JT8D-219 · Turbofan · 21750
Seats147
People & Injuries
Injury Summary5 injuries (1 serious injury, 4 minor injuries), 97 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor4
Uninjured97
Total102
Crew 1Age 50 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time01:45
Weather SourceWFAC