Narrative:A Saab 340B, N347BE, operated as Business Express flight 6240, was substantially damaged when a baggage belt-loader sliced through a portion of the fuselage, in an area under the cargo door.
The vehicle approached the airplane without stopping, and the driver jumped off just before the collision. At the time, the airplane's engines were secured, the wheels were chocked, the seat belt sign had been turned off, and the parking checklist had been completed. The passengers were standing, and the flight attendant was waiting for the signal to open the door. Ground support personnel checked the belt-loader braking system immediately after the collision and found no discrepancies. The airline had a published procedure in place, wherein the belt-loader driver was required to stop the vehicle 50 feet prior to the airplane, and again, at least 8 feet away from the airplane. The driver was then required to approach the airplane with the belt-loader at a 'creep' speed.
Probable Cause:
The belt-loader driver's loss of control of the vehicle, and his failure to follow published procedures for approaching the airplane with the belt-loader.
Accident investigation:
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Investigating agency: | NTSB |
Status: | Investigation completed |
Duration: | 2 years | Accident number: | NYC99LA092 | Download report: | Summary report
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Classification:
Ground collision
Damaged on the ground
Sources:
» NTSB
Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Presque Isle Municipal Airport, ME to Boston-Logan International Airport, MA as the crow flies is 531 km (332 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.