ATL96LA028

As a tug driver was repositioning a Lockheed L-1011 from a maintenance facility to the passenger terminal, the right wing of the L-1011 collided with the right horizontal stabilizer of a standing Boeing 737-232. The tug driver stated he thought that he had ample clearance from the standing aircraft, when the collision occurred.

On December 29, 1995, at 1017 eastern standard time, a standing Boeing 737-232, N306DL, was struck by a towed Lockheed L-1011, N728DA, at taxiway Hotel, at the Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. N306DL, flight 1862, a scheduled, domestic, passenger, flight, operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 121, with an instrument flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the collision. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The two flight crewmembers, three flight attendants, one extra flight crewmember, and the 52 passengers were not injured. Flight 1862 was enroute to St. Louis, Missouri, when the ground collision occurred.

According to Delta Air Lines officials, the L-1011 was being repositioned from the north maintenance area to the passenger terminal area. The L-1011 tug operator and cockpit observer were in direct radio contact with Atlanta Ground Control, and were cleared to pass behind the standing Boeing 737-232. The tug driver stated that he thought they were clear of the standing airplane. As he attempted to pass the Boeing 737-232, the L-1011's right wing tip collided with the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator assemblies of the Boeing 737-232.