# NTSB MIA98LA124: Douglas DC-10-10F, N68053, Memphis, TN, April 4, 1998

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 4, 1998, 03:53 local (09:53 UTC)
- Place: Memphis, TN
- Location: 35.0424° N, 89.9767° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at FREDERICK W SMITH INTL/MEMPHIS (MEM), within about a mile (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0424&lon=-89.9767&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Pushback/towing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/200) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38490
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA98LA124
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38490/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA124

## Probable cause

The tug operator's (maintenance representative) inadequate visual lookout during pushback.

## Analysis

The tug operator (maintenance representative) was pushing back an airplane at an angle from a nose dock. A wing walker yelled for the tug operator to stop; however the airplane collided with the nose dock before the tug operator could stop the tug.

## Factual narrative

On April 4, 1998, about 0353 central standard time, a Douglas DC-10-10F, N68053, registered to Federal Express Corporation, operating as a 14 CFR Part 121 supplemental domestic international cargo flight, collided with a nose dock on pushback at the Memphis International Airport, Memphis, Tennessee. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot-in-command, first officer, and flight engineer reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The ground power operator stated he removed the ground power unit from the airplane. The tug operator (maintenance representative) was pushing back the airplane. He noticed that the tug operator was pushing back at an angle and was getting the airplane close to the  nose dock. He yelled at the tug operator to stop the pushback; however, the airplane collided with the nose dock before he could stop the tug.

Review of the FedEx Aircraft Ramp Operations R7-5-25 AIRCRAFT TOWING/PUSHBACK POLICY states, "The maintenance representative is fully responsible for the pushback and towing of aircraft with assistance from the ramp personnel as required."

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - pushback/tow
  - object - other
  - visual lookout - inadequate, ground personnel (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68053](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N68053-2024-02-03), registration cancelled 2024-02-03, S/N 47807, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Douglas DC-10-10F
- Registry model: [Mcdonnell Douglas MD-10-10F](https://openairdocs.org/model/mcdonnell-douglas-md-10-10f) (registry code 3022112) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [GE CF6-6D](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ge-cf6-6d) (registry code 30076, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 47807
- Airframe hours: 5008
- Engines: GE CF6-6D 40000 lbs thrust turbo fan
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 121
- Registered owner: Federal Express Corporation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Last inspection: Continuous airworthiness, April 3, 1998
- Departed: MEM
- Destination: PHX, PHOENIX, AZ
- Flight plan: IFR
- Airport: MEM, Memphis International

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 4,113 total, 1,486 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 340° at 16 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19980404005999A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19980404005999A), Apr 4, 1998: Doug DC1010F, Memphis, TN, Substantial damage. Collided with nose dock on pushback from gate. Tug driver cut it around too soon. (.4)the tug operator (maintenance representative) was pushing back an…

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.

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