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May 21, 2021 · Boeing 737-7H4 700 · N289CT

Chicago, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 21, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (214 uninjured)
Location
Chicago, IL
Aircraft
Boeing 737-7H4 700 (2007)
Tail Number
N289CT
Operator
Southwest Airlines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA21LA133

On May 21, 2021, at about 1230 central daylight time, two Southwest B737’s collided while taxiing near the gate area at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), Chicago, Illinois. There were no injuries to the passengers and crew onboard either airplane. One airplane was substantially damaged and the other received minor damage. According to the operator, after landing, N289CT taxied to the assigned gate B-15 and was awaiting the ground marshalling crew. The flight crew of N289CT reported that they positioned the airplane on the J-line leading to the gate parking spot and set the brake while awaiting the ground crew. The marshallers arrived and began to signal the crew into the gate. Shortly after releasing the parking brake, the flight crew reported feeling the airplane shudder. The captain looked out the left window and noticed the N8686A taxiing behind with damage to its right winglet. N289CT then proceeded to the gate and deplaned with no further incident. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both elevators. N8686A was cleared to taxi from gate B14 to runway 22L via taxiways T and Y. While taxiing NE on taxiway Y, the aircraft's right winglet struck the aft portion of N289CT's horizontal stabilizer. N8686A taxied back to the gate. Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed minor damage to the right winglet.

NTSB Probable Cause

the failure of the flight crew of N8686A to provide sufficient clearance while taxiing past N289CT, which was stopped.

Full Narrative

According to the operator of both airplanes; N289CT taxied to the assigned gate B-15 and was awaiting the ground marshalling crew. The flight crew of N289CT reported that they positioned the airplane on the J-line leading to the gate parking spot and set the brake while awaiting the ground crew. The marshallers arrived and began to signal the crew into the gate. Shortly after releasing the parking brake, the flight crew reported feeling the airplane shudder and stopped moving. The flight crew noticed the other aircraft taxiing behind with damage to the right wingtip. They then proceeded to the gate and deplaned with no further incident. Inspection of the airplane revealed substantial damage to both elevators. N8686A was cleared to taxi from gate B14 to Runway 22L via taxiways T and Y. While taxiing NE on taxiway Y, the aircraft's right wingtip struck the aft portion of N289CT's horizontal stabilizer.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 CDT
Nearest AirportMIDWAY (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBoeing 737-7H4 700
Tail NumberN289CT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSouthwest Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsCfm Intl · CFM56-7B24 · Turbofan · 24200 | Cfm Intl · CFM56-7B24 · Turbofan · 24200 | Cfm Intl · CFM56-7B27E/F · Turbofan · 27300
Seats151

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (214 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured214
Total214
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 46 · First Class · None
Crew 3Age 56 · First Class · None
Crew 4Age 48 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 15 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.34 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data