NYC01LA076

The flightcrew was taxiing to the gate, but stopped short to wait for a required third wingwalker. As the airplane was stopped, several ground vehicles passed behind it along a vehicle service road. At the time the third wingwalker arrived, a ramp serviceman was operating a tug along the vehicle service road. As the tug passed behind the airplane, the airplane began to taxi to the gate. The jet blast blew an empty container, which was being towed by the tug. As the ramp serviceman attempted to retrieve the container, he was also blown to the ground. The serviceman sustained head injuries and was transported to the local hospital. The local port authority regulations prohibited operation of ground vehicles behind an airplane with operating engines. However, the serviceman was not cited for any violations by the port authority.

On December 27, 2000, about 1617 Eastern Standard Time, a Boeing 767-300ER, N155DL, was not damaged while taxiing at General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. The airplane was operated by Delta Air Lines Inc. as flight 1986. None of the 10 crewmembers or 69 passengers were injured, while one ramp serviceman sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated at Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the scheduled air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121.

According to witnesses, the airplane landed on Runway 33L at BOS, and taxied to Gate C26. At the gate, there were only two wingwalkers to assist the airplane. Delta's standard operating procedures required three wingwalkers, so the flightcrew stopped the airplane, before the gate, and waited for the third wingwalker.

While the airplane was at idle power, waiting for the third wingwalker, several ground vehicles passed behind the airplane along a vehicle service road. At the time the third wingwalker arrived, a ramp serviceman from another airline was operating a tug along the vehicle service road. As the tug passed behind the airplane, the airplane began to taxi into the gate. The jet blast blew an empty container, which was being towed by the tug. The ramp serviceman stopped the tug, got out of the vehicle, and attempted to retrieve the container. As he attempted to retrieve the container, the jet blast threw him into the container, then threw him clear of the container onto the pavement.

The ramp serviceman was admitted to a local hospital for head injuries.

According to a Massachusetts Port Authority (MASSPORT) shift supervisor, MASSPORT regulations prohibited operation of ground vehicles behind an airplane with operating engines. However, he added that the driver of the tug was not cited for any violations.