BOEING 737-7H4 near Phoenix, AZ — 2013-05-10

Probable cause

The failure of the tug operator and wing walker to adequately monitor the environment during pushback of the airplane from the gate in preparation for flight, which led to the collision of the airplane with an adjacently parked airplane.

NTSB narrative

While being pushed back from the gate by a tug in preparation for flight, the airplane collided with an airplane parked to its right. The pushback into an adjacent alleyway required the tug operator to accomplish a turn reversal to properly align the airplane. Further, the tug operator and wing walker slowed down the tug's speed during the turn to ensure that they avoided baggage carts located near the right engine. The turn was performed too tightly, and, when the tug operator's and wing walker's attention was focused on clearing the nearby carts, the airplane's right winglet struck the parked, unoccupied airplane's left horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Failure to conduct a pre-brief for the pushback operation.

NTSB coding

• Ground collision · Pushback/tow-engine start-up
• Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

• 8 docket documents

Docket documents8

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Flight Crew and Cabin Crew Statementsinterview
• Ground Personnel Statementsinterview
• Southwest Phoenix Base Interview Summariesinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Operator Pushback Proceduresother
• Record of Conversation - D Post, Southwest Airlinesother
• WN-1095 Pre-Push Checklistother

Related mishaps

• BOEING 757-351

  2008-12-28 · Seattle, WA