Probable cause
The A340 captain's failure to maintain adequate clearance between his wing and the tail of the EMB-145.
NTSB analysis
The EMB-145 flight crew was instructed to taxi on taxiway A and hold short of taxiway Q. Upon reaching taxiway Q, the flight crew discussed the taxiway orientation and signage but incorrectly identified the start of taxiway Q and instead of holding short proceeded through the intersection onto taxiway Q before coming to a stop.
Approximately two minutes later, as the A340 was taxiing north on taxiway A, the A340 flight crew was aware of the proximity of the EMB-145 and discussed whether they had adequate clearance to continue. The A340 first officer stated that they were too close and advised the captain to stop. However, the A340 captain believed that there was enough clearance and continued on taxiway A striking the tail of the EMB-145 with the left wing of the A340.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA15FA004 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 5, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jamaica, New York
- Nearest airport
- John F Kennedy International A (JFK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Embraer EMB 145LR
- N-number
- N572RP
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2004
- Damage
- Substantial
- 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.