NTSB Factual Report

On May 12, 2006, at 1910 eastern daylight time, an Embraer EMB-145-LR, N275SK, operated by Chautauqua Airlines Inc. (d.b.a. US Airways Express), as flight 3167, was substantially damaged when it was struck by a ground vehicle, while parked at the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts. There were no injuries to the 2 flightcrew, 1 flight attendant, or 48 passengers; while the driver of the ground vehicle sustained minor injuries. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the planned flight to Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), Rochester, New York. The scheduled passenger flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 121.

The airplane was parked at gate 9A, with the engines off, while the flightcrew was waiting for pushback. At that time, a tug was transitioning the ramp area, and collided with the left wing of the airplane. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

The driver of the tug stated that he was bringing luggage to a different airplane during dark, rainy, and foggy weather conditions. The driver of the tug further stated that he did not see the accident airplane until the impact of the tug with the left wing.

The reported weather at BOS, at 1852, was: wind from 050 degrees at 13 knots; visibility 1/4 mile in fog; indefinite ceiling 100 feet; temperature 50 degrees, dew point 48 degrees; altimeter 29.93 inches Hg.

NTSB Probable Cause

The tug driver's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane. A factor was the fog.