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NTSB Report

May 30, 2012 · Boeing 747 45EF · B16481

Chicago, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 30, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (24 uninjured)
Location
Chicago, IL
Aircraft
Boeing 747 45EF (2002)
Tail Number
B16481
Operator
Eva Airways
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
DCA12CA082

On May 30, 2012, at about 1300 central daylight time, American Eagle Airlines flight 4265, an Embraer EMB-135, N834AE, was holding in the ramp area when it was struck by EVA Air flight 661, a Boeing 747-400, registration B16481, while the 747 was taxiing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, Illinois. The EMB-135 received substantial damage to its rudder and vertical stabilizer and the 747 received minor damage to its wingtip and slat. There were no injuries to any of the passengers or crew on either airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The EMB-135 was holding in the ramp area with its tail protruding into taxiway (TWY) A while awaiting ground personnel to marshal them into gate G20. The 747 was initially parked at cargo bay SC6 and was instructed to taxi to runway 32L for departure. After crossing runway 28 and taxiing along TWY A, the 747 flight crew stated they saw the EMB-135 stopped short of gate G20. As the 747 approached the EMB-135, the captain stated that he knew it would be close and asked the other two flight crew members to help ensure there was enough wing tip clearance. Both of these crew members stated that there should be enough clearance based on their perspective in the cockpit. As the 747 taxied past the EMB-135, the leading edge slat of the B747 struck the vertical stabilizer of the EMB-135.

NTSB Probable Cause

the B747 Captain's failure to maintain a safe clearance between his wing and the tail of the EMB135 that was stopped on a taxiway.

Full Narrative

On May 30, 2012, at about 1300 central daylight time, American Eagle Airlines flight 4265, an Embraer EMB-135, N834AE, was holding in the ramp area when it was struck by EVA Air flight 661, a Boeing 747-400, registration B16481, while the 747 was taxiing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, Illinois. The EMB-135 received substantial damage to its rudder and vertical stabilizer and the 747 received minor damage to its wingtip and slat. There were no injuries to any of the passengers or crew on either airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The EMB-135 was holding in the ramp area with its tail protruding into taxiway (TWY) A while awaiting ground personnel to marshal them into gate G20. The 747 was initially parked at cargo bay SC6 and was instructed to taxi to runway 32L for departure. After crossing runway 28 and taxiing along TWY A, the 747 flight crew stated they saw the EMB-135 stopped short of gate G20. As the 747 approached the EMB-135, the captain stated that he knew it would be close and asked the other two flight crew members to help ensure there was enough wing tip clearance. Both of these crew members stated that there should be enough clearance based on their perspective in the cockpit. As the 747 taxied past the EMB-135, the leading edge slat of the B747 struck the vertical stabilizer of the EMB-135.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest AirportChicago O’Hare International (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 747 45EF
Tail NumberB16481
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorEva Airways
Operating RulePart 129
Engines4
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGe · CF6-80C2-B1F · Turbofan · 57160 | Ge · CF6-80C2-B1F · Turbofan · 57160 | Ge · CF6-80C2-B1F · Turbofan · 57160
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (24 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured24
Total24
Crew 1Age 57 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 60 · First Class · None
Crew 3Age 35 · First Class · None
Crew 4Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 43 C
Altimeter29.90 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data