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December 9, 2011 · Boeing 757-351 · N583NW

Atlanta, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 9, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (279 uninjured)
Location
Atlanta, GA
Aircraft
Boeing 757-351
Tail Number
N583NW
Operator
Delta Air Lines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA12CA021

On December 8, 2011, Delta Airlines flight 2036, a Boeing 737-700, N303DQ, collided with Delta Airlines flight 787, a Boeing 757-300, N583NW, while N303DQ was taxiing to the gate after landing at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (KATL), Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of the accident, N583NW was stopped on the taxiway. There were no injuries to any of the passengers or crewmembers on either airplane. N583NW received substantial damage to its right horizontal stabilizer and elevator and N303DQ sustained minor damage to its left winglet. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. After landing on runway 9R, N303DQ exited onto taxiway N10 and was directed by the local controller to "make a right turn on taxiway N, snug up on a 757, your gate is occupied." The B757, N583NW, was stopped on taxiway N east of taxiway J, facing east, awaiting clearance to taxi to their gate. N303DQ stopped on taxiway N, west of taxiway J. Approximately 15 minutes later, the local controller directed N303DQ to make a right turn on taxiway J and hold short of runway 9R to taxi the flight to ramp 1 via taxiway R. The captain of N303DQ indicated that he looked out his left window and it appeared there was sufficient clearance with the N583NW, however, the flight crew felt the airplane shudder as the turn was completed and stopped the airplane ahead. Immediately, N583DQ reported to the local controller that they thought that their airplane had been hit from behind. The captain of N303DQ confirmed to the local controller that their left winglet was damaged. Airport rescue crews were dispatched and inspected both aircraft and then both airplanes taxied to their gates without further incident. The right horizontal stabilizer and elevator on N583NW were substantially damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Psychological-Perception/orientation/illusion-Visual illusion/disorientation-Pilot of other aircraft - C

Full Narrative

On December 8, 2011, Delta Airlines flight 2036, a Boeing 737-700, N303DQ, collided with Delta Airlines flight 787, a Boeing 757-300, N583NW, while N303DQ was taxiing to the gate after landing at Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (KATL), Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of the accident, N583NW was stopped on the taxiway. There were no injuries to any of the passengers or crewmembers on either airplane. N583NW received substantial damage to its right horizontal stabilizer and elevator and N303DQ sustained minor damage to its left winglet. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. After landing on runway 9R, N303DQ exited onto taxiway N10 and was directed by the local controller to "make a right turn on taxiway N, snug up on a 757, your gate is occupied." The B757, N583NW, was stopped on taxiway N east of taxiway J, facing east, awaiting clearance to taxi to their gate. N303DQ stopped on taxiway N, west of taxiway J. Approximately 15 minutes later, the local controller directed N303DQ to make a right turn on taxiway J and hold short of runway 9R to taxi the flight to ramp 1 via taxiway R. The captain of N303DQ indicated that he looked out his left window and it appeared there was sufficient clearance with the N583NW, however, the flight crew felt the airplane shudder as the turn was completed and stopped the airplane ahead. Immediately, N583DQ reported to the local controller that they thought that their airplane had been hit from behind. The captain of N303DQ confirmed to the local controller that their left winglet was damaged. Airport rescue crews were dispatched and inspected both aircraft and then both airplanes taxied to their gates without further incident. The right horizontal stabilizer and elevator on N583NW were substantially damaged.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EST
Nearest AirportHartsfield - Jackson Atlanta I (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 757-351
Tail NumberN583NW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDelta Air Lines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbojet
Engine DetailsP&W · PW2040 · Turbojet · 40900 | P&W · PW2040 · Turbojet · 40900 | Cfm Intl · CFM56 · Turbofan · 25900
Seats275

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (279 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured279
Total279
Crew 1Age 53 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 44 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data