MCDONNELL DOUGLAS AIRCRAFT CO MD-88 near Atlanta, GA — 2011-10-07

Probable cause

The tug driver's inadequate control of the tug while maneuvering the airplane during pushback.

NTSB narrative

According to the tug driver, during pushback of the airplane from the gate, he turned the airplane early in order to avoid an airplane at an adjacent gate. He further stated that he did not straighten the tug in time, and it impacted the left side of the airplane he was pushing, which resulted in substantial damage to airplane's nose landing gear support beam and a puncture in the pressure vessel. According to the pilot of the flight, during pushback, the airplane overshot the centerline and was being moved back to the centerline when he observed the tug continue aft and then heard a metallic sound. The pilot further stated that the pushback did not appear to be too fast and that there appeared to be only minor directional control problems with the tug until the impact.

NTSB coding

• Ground handling event · Pushback/towing
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Atlanta Weatherother
• Photo 1: Airplane At Rest (Courtesy of the Operator)photos
• Photo 2: Damage to Airplane (Courtesy of the Operator)photos

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