Pilot Debrief

EMBRAER EMB-120ER near Salt Lake City, UT — 2009-02-21

Final reportWPR09IA123
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Date
2009-02-21
Location
Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Airport
SLC
Aircraft
EMBRAER EMB-120ER
Registration
N270YV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Taxi

Probable cause

The flight crew's failure to maintain clearance from the stationary vehicle while taxiing.

NTSB narrative

While taxiing on the ramp to their assigned terminal gate, the flight crew observed a stationary fuel truck parked to the right of their position. In order to ensure clearance, the captain positioned the airplane left of the taxiway centerline by 4 feet while the first officer monitored the clearance between the right wingtip and fuel truck. Subsequently, the right wing struck the fuel truck. The first officer stated that due to sun glare on the wing and fuel truck, he had a hard time judging the clearance between the wingtip and fuel truck. The wingtip damage was evaluated as minor.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
The flight crew could have chosen to stop and reassess the situation before proceeding.

NTSB coding

  • Ground collision · Taxi
  • Attention / Monitoring

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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