Probable cause
The B737-700 pilot did not maintain adequate wing tip clearance while taxiing around the stopped B-737-800.
NTSB analysis
The captain of a B737-800 had taxied to the entry of the assigned parking ramp where he stopped and waited for the ground crew to clear the parking area, post wing walkers, and give him the signal to park. The captain of a B737-700, which was following the B737-800, requested, through the ramp controller, that the stopped airplane move forward so that his airplane could pass. The B737-800 taxied forward and stopped again. The captain of the B737-700 then attempted to pass the B737-800, and the left winglet struck the B737-800’s right elevator, substantially damaging it.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA296 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 12, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta (ATL)
- 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.