Probable cause
The tractor driver’s failure to confirm that the tow bar head/handle was secured correctly to the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The Boeing 737-823 was being pushed back from its gate when the tow bar separated from the nose gear. The airplane rolled backwards and the right wing tip struck the nose of a parked DC-9. The tractor driver said the tow bar was already attached to the aircraft when he arrived. He said that he attached the other end of the tow bar to the tractor. The driver said that prior to push back, he checked the tow bar and ascertained that the bypass pin was in place and the tow bar wheels were fully retracted. Examination of the tow bar revealed no mechanical failures or abnormalities.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11IA198 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 21, 2011
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Southlake, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Dallas-Fort Worth Int'L. (DFW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Boeing 737-823
- N-number
- N945AN
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.