Probable cause
the failure of the captain of Delta 212 to ensure adequate clearance while taxiing behind Endeavor 3413.
NTSB analysis
On May 1, 2018, at about 2:53 pm EDT, an Endeavor 3413, CRJ900, N606LR, was struck by Delta 212, B767-300ER, N172DN, while awaiting to be marshalled into the gate at John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK), Queens, New York. Both flights were operating under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as regularly scheduled passenger flights. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
According to flight crew statements, both airplanes conducted normal landings and were cleared to taxi to their respective gates. Delta 212 was taxing to gate B30 and following behind Endeavor 3413 as it turned into gate B30. The captain of Endeavor 3413 stated that he had stopped short of the gate to await the ground crew. The captain of Delta 212 indicated that as they approached the airplane, he noticed that the wing walkers had stopped the Endeavor airplane prior to its gate, and so he stopped prior to entering the ramp area. When the Endeavor airplane started to move forward into the gate, he began to slowly taxi behind it, however, the captain indicated that he lost sight of airplane out the right window. He indicated that he turned slight to the left (away from Endeavor 3413) after his first officer advised him to provide additional clearance to ensure adequate separation. After he thought they would be safety clear of the airplane, he then turned back onto the taxiway centerline. As the airplane continued taxiing to the gate, the Delta flight crew heard over ramp control that they had struck Endeavor 3413. After parking, both airplanes were inspected and it was found that Delta 212's right winglet sustained minor damage and Endeavor 3413 sustained substantial damage to its horizontal and vertical stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DCA18CA165 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 1, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Queens, New York
- Nearest airport
- John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
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.