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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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December 27, 2000 · Boeing 767-300ER · N155DL

Boston, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 27, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (79 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Location
Boston, MA
Aircraft
Boeing 767-300ER
Tail Number
N155DL
Injuries
None
NTSB Number
NYC01LA076

The flightcrew was taxiing to the gate, but stopped short to wait for a required third wingwalker. As the airplane was stopped, several ground vehicles passed behind it along a vehicle service road. At the time the third wingwalker arrived, a ramp serviceman was operating a tug along the vehicle service road. As the tug passed behind the airplane, the airplane began to taxi to the gate. The jet blast blew an empty container, which was being towed by the tug. As the ramp serviceman attempted to retrieve the container, he was also blown to the ground. The serviceman sustained head injuries and was transported to the local hospital. The local port authority regulations prohibited operation of ground vehicles behind an airplane with operating engines. However, the serviceman was not cited for any violations by the port authority.

NTSB Probable Cause

The vehicle driver's improper decision to pass behind an aircraft with operating engines, which resulted in an encounter with jet blast.

Full Narrative

On December 27, 2000, about 1617 Eastern Standard Time, a Boeing 767-300ER, N155DL, was not damaged while taxiing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The airplane was operated by Delta Air Lines Inc. as flight 1986. None of the 10 crewmembers or 69 passengers were injured, while one ramp serviceman sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated at Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the scheduled air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. According to witnesses, the airplane landed on Runway 33L at BOS, and taxied to Gate C26. At the gate, there were only two wingwalkers to assist the airplane. Delta's standard operating procedures required three wingwalkers, so the flightcrew stopped the airplane, before the gate, and waited for the third wingwalker. While the airplane was at idle power, waiting for the third wingwalker, several ground vehicles passed behind the airplane along a vehicle service road. At the time the third wingwalker arrived, a ramp serviceman from another airline was operating a tug along the vehicle service road. As the tug passed behind the airplane, the airplane began to taxi into the gate. The jet blast blew an empty container, which was being towed by the tug. The ramp serviceman stopped the tug, got out of the vehicle, and attempted to retrieve the container. As he attempted to retrieve the container, the jet blast threw him into the container, then threw him clear of the container onto the pavement. The ramp serviceman was admitted to a local hospital for head injuries. According to a Massachusetts Port Authority (MASSPORT) shift supervisor, MASSPORT regulations prohibited operation of ground vehicles behind an airplane with operating engines. However, he added that the driver of the tug was not cited for any violations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:17 EST
Nearest AirportGeneral Edward Lawrence Logan (0nm N)
Runway33L
Runway Length10081 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 767-300ER
Tail NumberN155DL
Aircraft CategoryAir
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGe · CF6 · Turbofan · 60800
Seats208

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (79 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured79
Total80
Crew 1Age 56 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 43 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 19 kt, gusting 23 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point30 C / 10 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time20:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data