20030708019089I

(-23) On July 8, 2003, at 12:30 central standard time, an American airlines F-100 aircraft, N1414D, was parked at gate H-12 at o'Hare international airport in Chicago, Illinois when a baggage cart struck it. An investigation revealed that the cart was being towed by American airlines tug #17604 and became detached from the tow hook while the tug was in motion. The driver turned the tug away from the wing and the detached cart continued straight, impacting the left wing and becoming stuck. Passengers had already cleared the aircraft, but four crewmembers were still on board at the time of impact. There were no injuries on the ground or in the aircraft. The driver of the tug received a citation for careless driving from the Chicago police. American airlines also determined that the individual had failed to properly secure the cart to the tug. American airlines maintenance personnel extracted the cart from the wing and discovered that the cart had punctured the wing fuel tank and created a minor fuel spill. The Chicago police secured the area and a spill team was dispatched for a cleanup. American airlines maintenance personnel transferred fuel out of the tank and taxied the aircraft to the hanger for evaluation. Maintenance and engineering personnel evaluated the damage that included the puncture in the inboard left wing fuel tank access panel, deep scrapes to the outboard access panel and scrapes on the lower surface of the wing. Engineering personnel at American airlines tulsa maintenance facility determined that the damage was too extensive to be repaired at o'Hare. Temporary repairs were made at o'Hare and a ferry permit was issued for a one-time flight to tulsa for repairs.