Probable cause
The tug driver's inadequate control of the tug while maneuvering the airplane during pushback.
NTSB analysis
According to the tug driver, during pushback of the airplane from the gate, he turned the airplane early in order to avoid an airplane at an adjacent gate. He further stated that he did not straighten the tug in time, and it impacted the left side of the airplane he was pushing, which resulted in substantial damage to airplane's nose landing gear support beam and a puncture in the pressure vessel. According to the pilot of the flight, during pushback, the airplane overshot the centerline and was being moved back to the centerline when he observed the tug continue aft and then heard a metallic sound. The pilot further stated that the pushback did not appear to be too fast and that there appeared to be only minor directional control problems with the tug until the impact.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12CA038 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 7, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Int (ATL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Mcdonnell Douglas Aircraft Co MD-88
- N-number
- N922DL
- 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.