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May 12, 2014 · Mcdonnell Douglas MD90 - 30 30 · N933DN

Boston, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 12, 2014
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (166 uninjured)
Location
Boston, MA
Aircraft
Mcdonnell Douglas MD90 - 30 30 (1997)
Tail Number
N933DN
Operator
Drelat Air Lines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA14CA093

On May 12, 2014, at about 1737 eastern daylight time (EDT), Delta Airlines flight 1612, a Boeing MD-90, N933DN, experienced a partially collapsed nose gear during pushback from the gate at Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The passengers and crew exited the aircraft via the jet bridge and there were no injuries. The flight was operating as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 regularly scheduled passenger flight between KBOS and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (KMSP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to the flight crew, during pushback they received a new route clearance due to weather along the route. The captain and first officer discussed how they would handle the associated tasks, and agreed they would load the new route and then contact dispatch after the engine start had been accomplished. The crew stated the interphone conversation quality was degraded due to low volume, and there was considerable radio traffic on both clearance delivery and ramp frequencies. As the flight crew finished coordinating tasks, the captain heard on the interphone what he believed was "set brakes" and, because he did not discern any aircraft motion, began to apply the brakes. The airplane immediately shook and several warnings went off in cockpit. According to the tug operator, while at the gate he received brakes released and clear to push from the flight crew, and he proceeded to push the airplane off of the gate and to the area where it was clear to start engines. As they airplane approached the engine start spot, the tug operator stated "cleared to start", and the airplane immediately stopped, and the tug operator saw the airplane nose immediately drop and the nose gear partially collapse. Further inspection revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear assembly.

NTSB Probable Cause

the captain's failure to verify the communications between himself and the tug operator, which resulted in him applying of brakes while the airplane was being pushed back from the gate by the tug with tow bar attached.

Full Narrative

On May 12, 2014, at about 1737 eastern daylight time (EDT), Delta Airlines flight 1612, a Boeing MD-90, N933DN, experienced a partially collapsed nose gear during pushback from the gate at Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The passengers and crew exited the aircraft via the jet bridge and there were no injuries. The flight was operating as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 regularly scheduled passenger flight between KBOS and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (KMSP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to the flight crew, during pushback they received a new route clearance due to weather along the route. The captain and first officer discussed how they would handle the associated tasks, and agreed they would load the new route and then contact dispatch after the engine start had been accomplished. The crew stated the interphone conversation quality was degraded due to low volume, and there was considerable radio traffic on both clearance delivery and ramp frequencies. As the flight crew finished coordinating tasks, the captain heard on the interphone what he believed was "set brakes" and, because he did not discern any aircraft motion, began to apply the brakes. The airplane immediately shook and several warnings went off in cockpit. According to the tug operator, while at the gate he received brakes released and clear to push from the flight crew, and he proceeded to push the airplane off of the gate and to the area where it was clear to start engines. As they airplane approached the engine start spot, the tug operator stated "cleared to start", and the airplane immediately stopped, and the tug operator saw the airplane nose immediately drop and the nose gear partially collapse. Further inspection revealed the airplane sustained substantial damage to the nose landing gear assembly.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 EDT
Nearest AirportBoston Logan International (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMcdonnell Douglas MD90 - 30 30
Tail NumberN933DN
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDrelat Air Lines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsInternational Aero Engines · V2500 · Turbofan · 28000 | International Aero Engines · V2500 · Turbofan · 28000
Seats168

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (166 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured166
Total166
Crew 1Age 53 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 36 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time22:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data