Probable cause
The flight crew's failure to maintain clearance from the stationary vehicle while taxiing.
NTSB analysis
While taxiing on the ramp to their assigned terminal gate, the flight crew observed a stationary fuel truck parked to the right of their position. In order to ensure clearance, the captain positioned the airplane left of the taxiway centerline by 4 feet while the first officer monitored the clearance between the right wingtip and fuel truck. Subsequently, the right wing struck the fuel truck. The first officer stated that due to sun glare on the wing and fuel truck, he had a hard time judging the clearance between the wingtip and fuel truck. The wingtip damage was evaluated as minor.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09IA123 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 21, 2009
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Salt Lake City Int. Airport (SLC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Embraer EMB-120ER
- N-number
- N270YV
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- 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.