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May 7, 2003 · Bombardier CL-600-2B19 · N484CA

Boston, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 7, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Boston, MA
Aircraft
Bombardier CL-600-2B19
Tail Number
N484CA
Operator
Comair
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA101

The airplane was chocked, the seat belt sign had been turned off, and the passengers were disembarking. As the operator of a belt-loader approached the airplane, he tested the brakes, and they operated normally. When the belt-loader was about 3-4 feet from the airplane, the belt-loader operator again applied the brakes; however, they were either jammed or stuck, and would not work. He switched the transmission into neutral, but the belt-loader continued to roll forward, until it struck the fuselage of the airplane. The belt-loader operator further stated that he did not think to use the emergency brake. Post-accident examination of the belt-loader revealed no mechanical discrepancies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The operator's loss of control of the belt-loader while operating in the proximity of the airplane.

Full Narrative

On May 7, 2003, at 1215 eastern daylight time, a Bombardier CL-600-2B19, N484CA, operated by Comair Inc., as flight 5347, was substantially damaged when a baggage belt-loader collided with it, while parked at the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. There were no injuries to the 3-person crew, or the operator of the belt-loader. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight, between the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington, DC, and Boston. The scheduled passenger flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. The airplane was chocked, the seat belt sign had been turned off, and the passengers were disembarking. The operator of the belt-loader stated that when he initially approached the airplane with the belt-loader, he tested the brakes and they operated normally. When the belt-loader was about 3-4 feet from the airplane, he again applied the brakes; however, they were either jammed or stuck. He switched the transmission into neutral, but the belt-loader continued to roll forward, until it struck the fuselage of the airplane. The belt-loader operator further stated that he did not think to use the emergency brake. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that the loader had punctured the fuselage about 2 feet below the cargo door threshold, creating a 15-inch by 9-inch hole. Additionally, two stringers were damaged. Post-accident examination of the belt-loader revealed no mechanical discrepancies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 EDT
Nearest AirportLogan International Airport (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBombardier CL-600-2B19
Tail NumberN484CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorComair
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGeneral Electric · CF-34-3B1 · Turbofan · 9220 | General Electric · CF-34-3B1 · Turbofan · 9220
Seats43

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 33 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 32 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 12 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data