AIRBUS A321 231

Chicago, IL — July 1, 2017

Event Information

DateJuly 1, 2017
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberDCA17CA147
Event ID20170703X71412
LocationChicago, IL
CountryUSA
Coordinates41.97722, -87.89833
AirportChicago O'Hare International A
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeAIRBUS
ModelA321 231
CategoryAIR
FAR Part121
Aircraft DamageMINR

Conditions

Light ConditionNITE
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None189
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

the A321 flight crew's incorrect evaluation of the clearance between the aircraft, leading to the inadvertent collision with the horizontal stabilizer of the CRJ700. Contributing to the accident was traffic congestion that resulted in the CRJ700 having to stop prior to fully clearing the perpendicular taxiway.

Full Narrative

On June 30, 2017 at 2130 central daylight time, the wingtip ("sharklet") of an Airbus A321, N991AU, operated by American Airlines flight 1162, contacted the horizontal stabilizer of a Bombardier CRJ200, N862AS, operated by SkyWest Airlines d.b.a. Eagle Flight 3047, during taxi at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The A321 received minor damage and the CRJ200 was substantially damaged. There were no injuries aboard either aircraft. The CRJ200 had landed and taxied to the terminal and had been instructed by air traffic control to follow another aircraft on taxiway A7. Another aircraft ahead stopped unexpectedly and the line of traffic ending with the CRJ200, had to stop. The A321 was taxiing along taxiway A, perpendicular to A7, and maneuvered to go around the protruding tail of the CRJ200. However, the left sharklet wingtip of the A321 contacted the horizontal stabilizer of the CRJ200.
On June 30, 2017 at 2130 central daylight time, the wingtip ("sharklet") of an Airbus A321, N991AU, operated by American Airlines flight 1162, contacted the horizontal stabilizer of a Bombardier CRJ200, N862AS, operated by SkyWest Airlines d.b.a. Eagle Flight 3047, during taxi at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The A321 received minor damage and the CRJ200 was substantially damaged. There were no injuries aboard either aircraft. The CRJ200 had landed and taxied to the terminal and had been instructed by air traffic control to follow another aircraft on taxiway A7. Another aircraft ahead stopped unexpectedly and the line of traffic ending with the CRJ200, had to stop. The A321 was taxiing along taxiway A, perpendicular to A7, and maneuvered to go around the protruding tail of the CRJ200. However, the left sharklet wingtip of the A321 contacted the horizontal stabilizer of the CRJ200.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

All Aviation Events More in IL