# NTSB DCA11CA084: Bombardier CL600 2D24, N132EV, Boston, MA, July 14, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 14, 2011, 19:33 local (23:33 UTC) - Place: Boston, MA - Coordinates: 42.353332, -71.014442 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.3533&lon=-71.0144&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Standing: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 291 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 8, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Major Investigations Division - NTSB case key (mKey): 81120 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DCA11CA084 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/81120/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81120 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA11CA084 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) the B767 Captain's failure to maintain a safe clearance between his wing and the tail of the CRJ900 that was stopped on a taxiway. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) the B767 flight crew's failure to maintain a safe clearance with the CRJ900 that was stopped on a taxiway. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Perception/orientation/illusion: perception](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022040): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2D24, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022040/cases.md?model=1390016), [All aircraft, 61 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022040/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2D24, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=1390016), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) - [Perception/orientation/illusion: visual illusion/disorientation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022015): Personnel issues › Psychological · Flight crew (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Boeing 767-332, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022015/cases.md?model=1385101), [All aircraft, 51 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022015/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action performance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Flight crew (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Boeing 767-332, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md?model=1385101), [All aircraft, 1,386 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Standing: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Bombardier CL-600-2D24, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=1390016), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Boeing 767-332, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=1385101), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) On July 14, 2011, about 1933 eastern daylight time, Delta Air Lines flight 266, a Boeing 767-300ER, N185DN, was taxiing for departure when its left winglet struck the horizontal stabilizer of Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight 4904, a Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (CRJ900), N132EV, which was on taxiway M holding for departure on runway 09 at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage and the 767 sustained minor damage. There were no injuries to any of the passengers and crew aboard either airplane. Flight 4904, the CRJ900, was stopped behind two other airplanes on the south side of taxiway M awaiting takeoff clearance for runway 9. Flight 266, the B767, was taxiing for departure on runway 4R and was instructed by the ground controller to hold short of runway 4L on taxiway B. After holding short of runway 4L for a few minutes, the ground controller instructed them to "taxi to runway 4R, good rate around the corner." The captain recalled the ground controller had said the landing traffic was four miles out on final approach. The flight crew stated that they looked for the landing traffic and saw a "heavy" airplane approaching the airport with its landing gear extended were not sure if the landing traffic was going to runway 4L, runway 4R or runway 9. The captain indicated he expedited the taxi to cross the runway 4L approach path and estimated a taxi speed of more than 20 knots when they crossed the 4L approach path. After the B767 crossed the runway 4L approach path, ATC said "nice job, monitor tower on 132.22, should get you right outta here at this next arrival." The B767 first officer (FO) stated he then was changing to the tower frequency when he looked up and saw that they were closing the distance to the CRJ900 faster than he had expected and said "watch this guy". The captain stated that after turning on to taxiway B, he noticed the CRJ900 that was stopped on taxiway M and thought that it looked clear of taxiway B. The captain stated that it looked like they would be clear of the CRJ900 but the distance was going to be close so he steered the B767 slightly to the right (about three feet) of the taxiway centerline and applied light braking when the collision occurred. According to the accident captain and a Delta check airman, the B767 wingtips are not visible from the cockpit unless the windows are opened. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage to the horizontal tail and vertical tail and fluid was lost in all three hydraulic systems. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) On July 14, 2011, about 1933 eastern daylight time, Delta Air Lines flight 266, a Boeing 767-300ER, N185DN, was taxiing for departure when its left winglet struck the horizontal stabilizer of Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight 4904, a Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (CRJ900), N132EV, which was on taxiway M holding for departure on runway 09 at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage and the 767 sustained minor damage. There were no injuries to any of the passengers and crew aboard either airplane. Flight 4904, the CRJ900, was stopped behind two other airplanes on the south side of taxiway M awaiting takeoff clearance for runway 9. Flight 266, the B767, was taxiing for departure on runway 4R and was instructed by the ground controller to hold short of runway 4L on taxiway B. After holding short of runway 4L for a few minutes, the ground controller instructed them to "taxi to runway 4R, good rate around the corner." The captain recalled the ground controller had said the landing traffic was four miles out on final approach. The flight crew stated that they looked for the landing traffic and saw a "heavy" airplane approaching the airport with its landing gear extended were not sure if the landing traffic was going to runway 4L, runway 4R or runway 9. The captain indicated he expedited the taxi to cross the runway 4L approach path and estimated a taxi speed of more than 20 knots when they crossed the 4L approach path. After the B767 crossed the runway 4L approach path, ATC said "nice job, monitor tower on 132.22, should get you right outta here at this next arrival." The B767 first officer (FO) stated he then was changing to the tower frequency when he looked up and saw that they were closing the distance to the CRJ900 faster than he had expected and said "watch this guy". The captain stated that after turning on to taxiway B, he noticed the CRJ900 that was stopped on taxiway M and thought that it looked clear of taxiway B. The captain stated that it looked like they would be clear of the CRJ900 but the distance was going to be close so he steered the B767 slightly to the right (about three feet) of the taxiway centerline and applied light braking when the collision occurred. According to the accident captain and a Delta check airman, the B767 wingtips are not visible from the cockpit unless the windows are opened. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage to the horizontal tail and vertical tail and fluid was lost in all three hydraulic systems. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On July 14, 2011, about 1933 eastern daylight time, Delta Air Lines flight 266, a Boeing 767-300ER, N185DN, was taxiing for departure when its left winglet struck the horizontal stabilizer of Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight 4904, a Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (CRJ900), N132EV, which was on taxiway M holding for departure on runway 09 at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage and the 767 sustained minor damage. There were no injuries to any of the passengers and crew aboard either airplane. Flight 4904, the CRJ900, was stopped behind two other airplanes on the south side of taxiway M awaiting takeoff clearance for runway 9. Flight 266, the B767, was taxiing for departure on runway 4R and was instructed by the ground controller to hold short of runway 4L on taxiway B. After holding short of runway 4L for a few minutes, the ground controller instructed them to "taxi to runway 4R, good rate around the corner." The captain recalled the ground controller had said the landing traffic was four miles out on final approach. The flight crew stated that they looked for the landing traffic and saw a "heavy" airplane approaching the airport with its landing gear extended were not sure if the landing traffic was going to runway 4L, runway 4R or runway 9. The captain indicated he expedited the taxi to cross the runway 4L approach path and estimated a taxi speed of more than 20 knots when they crossed the 4L approach path. After the B767 crossed the runway 4L approach path, ATC said "nice job, monitor tower on 132.22, should get you right outta here at this next arrival." The B767 first officer (FO) stated he then was changing to the tower frequency when he looked up and saw that they were closing the distance to the CRJ900 faster than he had expected and said "watch this guy". The captain stated that after turning on to taxiway B, he noticed the CRJ900 that was stopped on taxiway M and thought that it looked clear of taxiway B. The captain stated that it looked like they would be clear of the CRJ900 but the distance was going to be close so he steered the B767 slightly to the right (about three feet) of the taxiway centerline and applied light braking when the collision occurred. According to the accident captain and a Delta check airman, the B767 wingtips are not visible from the cockpit unless the windows are opened. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage to the horizontal tail and vertical tail and fluid was lost in all three hydraulic systems. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On July 14, 2011, about 1933 eastern daylight time, Delta Air Lines flight 266, a Boeing 767-300ER, N185DN, was taxiing for departure when its left winglet struck the horizontal stabilizer of Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight 4904, a Bombardier CL-600-2D24 (CRJ900), N132EV, which was on taxiway M holding for departure on runway 09 at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage and the 767 sustained minor damage. There were no injuries to any of the passengers and crew aboard either airplane. Flight 4904, the CRJ900, was stopped behind two other airplanes on the south side of taxiway M awaiting takeoff clearance for runway 9. Flight 266, the B767, was taxiing for departure on runway 4R and was instructed by the ground controller to hold short of runway 4L on taxiway B. After holding short of runway 4L for a few minutes, the ground controller instructed them to "taxi to runway 4R, good rate around the corner." The captain recalled the ground controller had said the landing traffic was four miles out on final approach. The flight crew stated that they looked for the landing traffic and saw a "heavy" airplane approaching the airport with its landing gear extended were not sure if the landing traffic was going to runway 4L, runway 4R or runway 9. The captain indicated he expedited the taxi to cross the runway 4L approach path and estimated a taxi speed of more than 20 knots when they crossed the 4L approach path. After the B767 crossed the runway 4L approach path, ATC said "nice job, monitor tower on 132.22, should get you right outta here at this next arrival." The B767 first officer (FO) stated he then was changing to the tower frequency when he looked up and saw that they were closing the distance to the CRJ900 faster than he had expected and said "watch this guy". The captain stated that after turning on to taxiway B, he noticed the CRJ900 that was stopped on taxiway M and thought that it looked clear of taxiway B. The captain stated that it looked like they would be clear of the CRJ900 but the distance was going to be close so he steered the B767 slightly to the right (about three feet) of the taxiway centerline and applied light braking when the collision occurred. According to the accident captain and a Delta check airman, the B767 wingtips are not visible from the cockpit unless the windows are opened. The CRJ900 sustained substantial damage to the horizontal tail and vertical tail and fluid was lost in all three hydraulic systems. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N132EV](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N132EV), registered now, S/N 15219, built 2009 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BOMBARDIER CL600 2D24 (900) - Registry model: [Bombardier CL-600-2D24](https://openairdocs.org/model/bombardier-cl-600-2d24) (registry code 1390016) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [GE CF34-8C5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ge-cf34-8c5) (registry code 30050, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15219 - Airframe hours: 6150 - Engines: GE CF 34-8C5 14510 lbs thrust turbo fan; GE CF 34-8C5 14510 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 121 - Operator: Atlantic Southeast Airlines Inc, doing business as ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST AIRLINES -Delta Connection - Registered owner: Delta Airlines, Inc. - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, May 9, 2011 - Departed: BOS, Boston, MA - Destination: RDU, Raliegh-Durham, NC - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: BOS, General Edward Lawrence Logan - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N185DN](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N185DN), registered now, S/N 27961, built 1995 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: BOEING 767 332 (332) - Registry model: [Boeing 767-332](https://openairdocs.org/model/boeing-767-332) (registry code 1385101) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-pw4000-series) (registry code 52119, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 27961 - Year built: 1995 - Airframe hours: 76810 - Engines: P&W PW4000 SER 62000 lbs thrust turbo fan; P&W PW4000 SER 62000 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Part 121 - Operator: Delta Air Lines - Registered owner: Delta Air Lines Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, June 21, 2011 - Departed: BOS, Boston, MA - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: BOS, General Edward Lawrence Logan ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 110° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 50 °F - Altimeter: 29.96 inHg - Observed at: KBOS ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20110714023752A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110714023752A), Jul 14, 2011: Bombardier Inc CL600-2D24, Boston, MA, Substantial damage. On July 14, 2011, about 1933 eastern daylight time, a delta air lines B767-300ER, N185DN, operating as delta flight 266, was taxiing on taxiway b for departure… - [Accident 20110714023742A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110714023742A), Jul 14, 2011: Boeing 767332, Boston, MA, Substantial damage. On July 14, 2011, about 1933 eastern daylight time, a delta air lines B767-300ER, N185DN, operating as delta flight 266, was taxiing on taxiway b for departure… ## Docket (13 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 5, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=81120. 2.5 MB in all. - Flight Data Recorder 10 - Factual Report of Group Chairman (item 1, .PDF, 1 photo, 88 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354849&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Flight%20Data%20Recorder%2010%20-%20Factual%20Report%20of%20Group%20Chairman-Master.PDF - Flight Data Recorder 10 - Tabular Data (item 2, .CSV, 295 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40354848&FileExtension=.csv&FileName=Flight%20Data%20Recorder%2010%20-%20Tabular%20Data-Master.csv - Operations 2 - Factual Report of Group Chairman (item 3, .PDF, 228 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361257&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Factual%20Report%20of%20Group%20Chairman-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 1 Interview Summaries (item 4, .PDF, 216 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361268&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%201%20Interview%20Summaries-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 2 Written Statements (item 5, .PDF, 169 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361269&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%202%20Written%20Statements-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 3 ASA Jeppesen 10.9 Page - BOS (item 6, .PDF, 208 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361266&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%203%20ASA%20Jeppesen%2010.9%20Page%20-%20BOS-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 4 DAL Substance Testing Letter (item 7, .PDF, 44 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361267&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%204%20DAL%20Substance%20Testing%20Letter-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 5 DAL Operations Manual Taxi Guidance (item 8, .PDF, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361270&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%205%20DAL%20Operations%20Manual%20Taxi%20Guidance-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 6 DAL Flight Crew Training Manual Taxi Guidance (item 9, .PDF, 78 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361263&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%206%20DAL%20Flight%20Crew%20Training%20Manual%20Taxi%20Guidance-Master.PDF - Operations 2 - Attachment 7 DAL Initial Operating Experience Guide (item 10, .PDF, 56 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40361264&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Operations%202%20-%20Attachment%207%20DAL%20Initial%20Operating%20Experience%20Guide-Master.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N132EV (item 11, .PDF, 259 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468019&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N132EV-Master.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N185DN (item 12, .PDF, 253 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468020&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N185DN-Master.PDF - Cockpit Voice Recorder (item 13, .PDF, 588 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40468021&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Cockpit%20Voice%20Recorder-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.