Narrative:A Boeing 727-100, HC-BRF, was struck by a cargo truck while starting engines for a cargo flight from Miami International Airport, Florida, to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the three crewmembers and two passengers were not injured. The cargo truck driver received serious injuries.
Witnesses stated the cargo truck and driver had been parked behind HC-BRF for about 2 1/2 hours. HC-BRF was preparing for departure at the time of the accident. The navigation, wing tip, and wing flood lights were operating. The no. three engine had been started and the other engines were being started when the cargo truck driver pulled his truck forward from behind the aircraft. As the driver drove by the mechanic who was operating the air start cart, at the right rear of the aircraft, the driver waved to the mechanic. As the driver turned to look forward the trucks left windshield area struck the trailing edge wing tip area of HC-BRF. Portions of the wing tip remained embedded in the truck cab and the truck rolled to an aircraft tug which was attached to a Boeing 707, 400 feet away.
Probable Cause:
PROBABLE CAUSE: "The failure of the truck driver to maintain visual lookout while operating his truck on an unlit ramp near an aircraft."
Classification:
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 Miami International Airport, FL to Guayaquil-Simon Bolivar Airport as the crow flies is 3089 km (1931 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.