# SDR 20001004AP004

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: June 20, 2000
- Submitted: August 16, 2000
- Operation: Air carrier
- Aircraft: [N941LF](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N941LF), registered now
- Make and model: Airbus A320-233
- Registry model: [Airbus A320-233](https://openairdocs.org/model/airbus-a320-233) (OpenAirDocs)
- Aircraft serial: 461
- System (JASC): [5330 · Fuselage Main, Plate/Skin](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/5330)
- Part: Skin
- Condition: Damaged
- Location: Fuselage
- Stage of operation: TX
- How discovered: O
- Nature of condition: W
- Precautionary procedure: O
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20001004AP004

## Discrepancy

JFK - FLT 661 - DURING DEPARTURE OF THE FLIGHT LR661 (JFK-SJO), THE AIRCRAFT WAS PARKED AT THE DELTA TERMINAL NR 2, GATE 27, WHILE THE TRACTOR DRIVER WAS POSITIONING TO PUSH-BACK HE HIT THE TOW BAR AND IT BOUNCED INTO THE AIRCRAFT, CAUSING A 3.5 INCH HOLE ON THE BOTTOM LEFT SIDE ON THE NOSE FUSELAGE.  THE FLIGHT WAS CANCELED.  MAINTENANCE TECHS PERFORMED EVALUATION OF THE DAMAGE.  FOUND A CRACK OF ABOUT 3.5 INCHES LOCATED BETWEEN FRAMES 18 TO 19 NEAR THE LEFT LOWER STRINGER AT THE LOWER SIDE OF A BUTT JOINT.  NDT INSPECTION DID NOT REVEAL

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