# NTSB DCA26LA047: Embraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR, N317TB, Chicago, IL, November 29, 2025 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report - Date: November 29, 2025, 14:03 local (20:03 UTC) - Place: Chicago, IL - Coordinates: 41.9786, -87.9048 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.9786&lon=-87.9048&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 233 uninjured - Status: Completed, report August 20, 2026 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 4 - Basic report with no Prelim publish - NTSB office: Major Investigations Division - Parties: FAA AVP, United Airlines, Envoy Airlines - NTSB case key (mKey): 202083 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DCA26LA047 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/202083/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=202083 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA26LA047 ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) United Airlines flight crew’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from the parked Envoy Airlines airplane while taxiing in winter weather conditions. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Environmental issues](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03030000): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Embraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03030000/cases.md?model=3260415), [All aircraft, 57 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03030000/cases.md) - [Environmental issues](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03030000): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Contributed to outcome (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Airbus A320-232, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03030000/cases.md?model=3940004), [All aircraft, 57 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03030000/cases.md) - [Perception/orientation/illusion: situational awareness](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022035): Personnel issues › Psychological · Flight crew (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Airbus A320-232, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022035/cases.md?model=3940004), [All aircraft, 111 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022035/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Embraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=3260415), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Airbus A320-232, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=3940004), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The accident occurred when the left wingtip of United Airlines flight 2333 (UA2333), N480UA, an Airbus A320-232 collided with the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator of Envoy Airlines flight 4028 (ENY4028), N317TB, an Embraer ERJ-175 (which was stationary) while taxiing to the gate after landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago, Illinois. There were no reported injuries to passengers or crew on either airplane. ENY4028 sustained substantial damage to its elevator and horizontal stabilizer (Figure 1) and UA2333 sustained minor damage to its left winglet. Figure 1. Left photo shows damage to ENY4028 right horizontal stabilizer and the right photo shows the damaged right elevator. (Source: Envoy Airlines) Statements from the Envoy Airlines flight crew indicated that ORD was experiencing a winter weather storm with heavy snow falling for several hours and the taxiways were covered in snow making the taxi center lines difficult to see. Statements from the United Airlines flight crew also indicated that the taxiways were completely snow-covered, obscuring centerlines, taxiway edges, and several taxiway signs. According to the Envoy Airlines flight crew, flight ENY4028 conducted a single-engine taxi from gate L20 to runway 9R with engine No. 1 (left) operating, and auxiliary power unit (APU) in use. The airplane was taxiing northbound on taxiway U, when the flight crew attempted to turn the airplane left onto taxiway K. As the airplane started the left turn, it began to skid. The captain applied the brakes to prevent further movement and asked the first officer (FO) to start the No. 2 (right) engine in an attempt to regain control. While the FO started the engine, the captain informed air traffic control (ATC) of their situation and requested and received approval to remain stopped while they attempted to reposition the aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the flight crew felt the airplane being struck by an external object, and the nose moved from right to left about 5°. The FO looked to the right and observed a United Airlines Airbus that had just taxied behind them and continued forward. According to statements from the United Airlines flight crew, they conducted an uneventful landing on runway 9C and proceeded to taxi toward gate C26, with reported visibility of ¼ mile with heavy snowfall. Once northbound on taxiway U, they observed ENY4028 attempting to make a left turn onto taxiway K. During the turn, the airplane appeared to slide slightly before continuing forward and then stopping. The flight crew elected to hold their position initially since ENY4028 appeared to partially block their path. Once they were stationary, the captain visually cleared the left side of the airplane, and the FO visually cleared the right side of the airplane, and a sidestep maneuver was performed. The FO indicted that he verified verbally with the captain that they had clearance around the ENY4028. The captain confirmed. The flight crew indicatedthat they taxied forward at a very slow speed due to the restricted visibility and degraded taxiway conditions, closely monitoring the left wingtip for clearance. They observed their left wing pass the tailpipe of ENY4028 without issue. Shortly thereafter, they experienced a slight vibration. Their initial assessment was that they may have run over accumulated snow or debris on the taxiway, so they continued toward the gate. Ground control advised UA2333 that another airplane reported possible contact with them from behind and asked whether they had noticed anything. UA2333’s flight crew advised ground control of experiencing a vibration. They asked ground control whether they preferred they stop or continue to the gate and were instructed to continue and advise of any observed damage. They arrived at the gate, deplaned normally, immediately contacted maintenance, and wrote an entry into the logbook. After the flight crew walked outside, they noticed the lower left winglet was damaged. The automated weather reported at ORD at 1424 included visibility of ¼ statute mile in heavy snow and freezing fog. The impact between UA2333 left winglet and ENY4028 tail resulted in a fractured winglet for UA2333 and damage to the ENY4028 right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. ENY4028’s elevator sustained a fractured tip cap and deformation to the trailing edge outboard end. ENY4028’s right horizontal stabilizer had a puncture about 20 inches long by 4 inches wide with fracture damage and deformation to the skin, 3 stringers and 1 rib. This damage adversely affected the structural strength and flight characteristics requiring a major repair or replacement and was considered substantial. The damage to the UAL2333 left winglet was considered minor. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N317TB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N317TB), registered now, S/N 17000967, built 2024 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: EMBRAER S A ERJ 170-200 LR - Registry model: [Embraer S A ERJ 170-200 LR](https://openairdocs.org/model/embraer-s-a-erj-170-200-lr) (registry code 3260415) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [GE CF34-8E5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ge-cf34-8e5) (registry code 30061, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17000967 - Year built: 2024 - Airframe hours: 4209.5 - Engines: GE CF34-8E5 14510 lbs thrust turbo fan; GE CF34-8E5 14510 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 121 - Operator: Envoy Air Inc., doing business as American Eagle - Envoy - Registered owner: American Airlines Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, November 27, 2025 - Destination: KXNA, Fayetteville, AR - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: ORD, Chicago O'Hare International Airport - Equipment: ADS-B, Stall warning system, Satellite tracking device, Onboard weather, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display, Electronic flight bag or handheld device, Data recorder, Auto-pilot, Angle of attack indicator ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N490UA](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N490UA), registered now, S/N 1728, built 2002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: AIRBUS A320-232 - Registry model: [Airbus A320-232](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-a320-232) (registry code 3940004) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [IAE V2500SERIES](https://openairdocs.org/engine/iae-v2500series) (registry code 34601, turbo-jet) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 1728 - Year built: 2002 - Airframe hours: 71893 - Engines: IAE V2500SERIES 25000 lbs thrust turbo jet; IAE V2500SERIES 25000 lbs thrust turbo jet - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Part 121 - Operator: United Airlines Inc - Registered owner: United Airlines Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport - Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, February 5, 2025 - Departed: KGRR, Grand Rapids, MI - Destination: ORD, Chicago, IL - Flight plan: IFR - Equipment: Angle of attack indicator, ADS-B, Stall warning system, Satellite tracking device, Onboard weather, Electronic primary flight display, Electronic multifunction display, Data recorder, Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N317TB; age 42; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 11, 2025; seat: left; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 7,175 total, 1,717 in this make and model - Pilot, aircraft N317TB; age 32; injuries: none; commercial, airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 5, 2025; seat: right; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 1,740 total, 166 in this make and model - Pilot, aircraft N490UA; age 42; injuries: none; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review June 26, 2025; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 10,884 total, 2,485 in this make and model, 6,228 as pilot in command, 140 in the last 90 days, 76 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours - Co-pilot, aircraft N490UA; age 30; injuries: none; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review September 17, 2025; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 5,137 total, 1,882 in this make and model, 1,677 as pilot in command, 170 in the last 90 days, 60 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day - Observed at: KORD - METAR: SPECI KORD 291924Z 13008KT 1/4SM R10L/2600V5500FT +SN FZFG VV007 M03/M04 A3013 RMK AO2 P0002 T10281039 ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Incident 20251129015931I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20251129015931I), Nov 29, 2025: Embraer ERJ-170-200LR, Chicago, IL, Minor damage. ENY4028(N317TB) was an outbound aircraft taxiing to the deice pad. UAL2333(N490UA) was an arrival taxiing to the gate behind ENY4028. ENY4028 was turning from… - [Accident 20251129021082A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20251129021082A), Nov 29, 2025: Airbus A320-232, Chicago, IL, Substantial damage. While taxing to the gate in winter conditions, aircraft wing tip made contact with another airplanes horizontal stabilizer causing severe damage to the rear of… ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 20, 2026, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=202083. 3.5 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 - united (item 1, PDF, 10 pages, 1.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=20730462&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120%20UAL_Redacted-Rel-Rel.pdf - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 - envoy (item 2, PDF, 10 pages, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=20233904&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120%20Envoy_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Flight crew statements - united (item 3, PDF, 4 pages, 54 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=20226477&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=pilot%20Statements-Rel.pdf - Flight crew statements - envoy (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 66 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=20226186&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Flightcrew%20Statements%20for%20NTSB_Redacted-Rel.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.