Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DCA13LA039

Miami, FL, USA

Aircraft #1

F-GZNI

BOEING 777 - 300

Aircraft #2

LV-BMT

AIRBUS A340 - 300

Analysis

After arriving from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (SAEZ), Buenos Aires, Argentina, LV-BMT was directed by Miami ground control to taxi to the passenger terminal via taxiway Q. According to recorded data, LV-BMT was directed to spot 14W and cleared to gate H8A by Miami-Dade Aviation Department Aircraft Gate Control (Miami Gates). About 3 minutes later, the Miami Gates controller attempted to contact LV-BMT three times but used the incorrect flight number. On the third attempt, the crew of LV-BMT responded and were told they were "on the wrong line." The crew responded "14 Whiskey" but did not stop their taxi. While taxiing from spot 14W the left winglet of LV-BMT struck F-GNZI, which was parked at gate H10.

Factual Information

On January 17, 2013, about 1742 eastern standard time, Air France flight 695, a Boeing B777-300, F-GNZI, was parked at the gate and in the process of boarding passengers at the Miami International Airport (KMIA), Miami, Florida, when the left winglet of taxiing Aerolineas Argentinas flight 1304, an Airbus 340-300, LV-BMT, struck its right horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The elevator of F-GNZI was substantially damaged and LV-BMT sustained minor damage. There were no reported injuries on either aircraft. Both aircraft were being operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 129.

Probable Cause and Findings

LV-BMT flight crew's incorrect evaluation of the clearance between the two aircraft, leading to the inadvertent collision of the left winglet with the horizontal stabilizer and elevator of F-GNZI. Contributing to the accident were the incorrect instructions given by the Miami Gates controller to the LV-BMT flight crew.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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