Probable cause
The ground crew’s failure to detach the air-starter hose from the airplane before moving the cart away resulting in structural damage to a skin panel.
NTSB analysis
According to the operator, the airplane was parked at the gate preparing to be pushed back when the damage occurred. A ground crew worker had connected an air-starter cart to the airplane, and then determined that the air cart was not functioning properly. The worker attempted to pull the cart away from the airplane without disconnecting the hose, resulting in substantial damage to the skin panels on the left, lower side of the airplane's fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA046 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 2, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Pttsburgh International Airpor (PIT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Bombardier Inc CL-600-2B19
- N-number
- N454SW
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.