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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 15, 2017 · Boeing 737 832 832 · N377DA

Queens, NY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 15, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (295 uninjured)
Location
Queens, NY
Aircraft
Boeing 737 832 832 (1999)
Tail Number
N377DA
Operator
Delta Air Lines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
DCA17CA181

On August 15, 2017, at approximately 6:15 PM EDT, American Airlines flight 290, a Boeing B757, N175AN, was stationary awaiting takeoff clearance when it was struck by Delta Air Lines flight 2503, a Boeing B737-800, N377DA, as it was taxiing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), Queens, New York. There were no injuries to the 129 passengers and crew onboard the B757, nor to the 166 passengers and crew onboard the B737. The American Airlines B757 sustained substantial damage and the Delta Air Lines B737 sustained minor damage. Both airplanes were operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as regularly scheduled passenger flights. According to flight crew statements, the American Airlines B757 taxied down taxiway C and turned onto taxiway FB where it stopped short of runway 22R and was awaiting takeoff clearance. The Delta B737 followed the American B757 down taxiway C and was then instructed to taxi behind the American B757 and to continue to taxiway E. The Delta captain stated he steered slightly to the right of the taxiway centerline to keep clear of the stopped American B757. He then steered back towards the centerline once he thought his left winglet had cleared the American B757s tail when he felt a bump. After stopping, emergency personnel inspected both airplanes and indicated that Delta's left winglet had contacted the American B757 right horizontal stabilizer, resulting in substantial damage to the elevator. Both aircraft taxied back to their respective gates under their own power and passengers deplaned normally.

NTSB Probable Cause

the Delta B737 captain's failure to maintain proper clearance between his airplane and the stopped American B757.

Full Narrative

On August 15, 2017, at approximately 6:15 PM EDT, American Airlines flight 290, a Boeing B757, N175AN, was stationary awaiting takeoff clearance when it was struck by Delta Air Lines flight 2503, a Boeing B737-800, N377DA, as it was taxiing at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), Queens, New York. There were no injuries to the 129 passengers and crew onboard the B757, nor to the 166 passengers and crew onboard the B737. The American Airlines B757 sustained substantial damage and the Delta Air Lines B737 sustained minor damage. Both airplanes were operating under 14 CFR Part 121 as regularly scheduled passenger flights. According to flight crew statements, the American Airlines B757 taxied down taxiway C and turned onto taxiway FB where it stopped short of runway 22R and was awaiting takeoff clearance. The Delta B737 followed the American B757 down taxiway C and was then instructed to taxi behind the American B757 and to continue to taxiway E. The Delta captain stated he steered slightly to the right of the taxiway centerline to keep clear of the stopped American B757. He then steered back towards the centerline once he thought his left winglet had cleared the American B757s tail when he felt a bump. After stopping, emergency personnel inspected both airplanes and indicated that Delta's left winglet had contacted the American B757 right horizontal stabilizer, resulting in substantial damage to the elevator. Both aircraft taxied back to their respective gates under their own power and passengers deplaned normally.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 EDT
Nearest AirportJohn F Kennedy Intl (0nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 737 832 832
Tail NumberN377DA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorDelta Air Lines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsGeneral Electric · CFM56-7B26 · Turbofan · 26000 | General Electric · CFM56-7B26 · Turbofan · 26000 | Rolls-Royc · RB.211 SERIES · Turbofan
Seats168

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (295 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured295
Total295
Crew 1Age 54 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 41 · First Class · None
Crew 3Age 56 · First Class · None
Crew 4Age 55 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 4 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data