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February 1, 2004 · Saab-Scania Ab Saab 340A · N158SD

Pittsburgh, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 1, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (22 uninjured)
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Aircraft
Saab-Scania Ab Saab 340A
Tail Number
N158SD
Operator
Shuttle America
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA063

The airplane was parked at the gate, when a baggage cart became disconnected from the tug which was towing it, and impacted the left side of the fuselage. Examination of the tug revealed a broken E-hitch pin where the baggage cart became disconnected.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the baggage cart E-hitch pin, which resulted in the baggage cart separating from its tug, and subsequently impacting a parked airplane.

Full Narrative

On February 1, 2004, at 1700 eastern standard time, a Saab 340A, N158SD, operated by Shuttle America Inc., as US Airways Express flight 4593, was substantially damaged when it was struck by a baggage cart while parked at Gate E11 at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The two flightcrew members, one flight attendant, and 19 passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight which was destined for Toledo International Airport (TOL), Toledo, Ohio. The scheduled passenger flight was to be conducted under 14 CFR Part 121. According to the operator, the airplane was parked at the gate, when a baggage cart became disconnected from the tug which was towing it, and impacted the left side of the fuselage. Substantial damage to the airplane included a 23-inch tear in the fuselage, as well as five circumferential structure fractures. Examination of the tug revealed a broken E-hitch pin where the baggage cart became disconnected. Ground service personnel then examined all tugs and their associated baggage carts to identify any additional faulty gearshift levers. During the inspection, one additional tug was identified as having a broken pin. The pin was replaced, and the vehicle was returned to service.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 EST
Nearest AirportPittsburgh Int'L Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftSaab-Scania Ab Saab 340A
Tail NumberN158SD
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorShuttle America
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurboprop
Engine DetailsGeneral Electric · CT7-5A2 · Turboprop · 1735
Seats33

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (22 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured22
Total22
Crew 1Age 52 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 31 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind80° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data