Primary finding
Probable cause
The ground crew's failure to maintain clearance from the light pole while directing the airplane to parking.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was taxiing to the parking area when the right wing tip struck a light pole. The taxiway markings on the ramp were obscured by snow, and the airplane was being guided by ground handlers, including a wing-walker positioned at the right wing tip. The taxi speed was low due to the snow cover and positive contact with the ground handlers was maintained by the flight crew. The flight crew did not feel the impact with the light pole and were not aware of the accident until notified by company maintenance personnel after parking.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 23, 2008, at 0102 central standard time, a Boeing 747-212B, N486EV, operated by Evergreen Airlines and piloted by an airline transport pilot, sustained substantial damage when the right wingtip struck a pole during taxi after landing at the Rockford International Airport (RFD), Rockford, Illinois. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 cargo flight was operating in night visual meteorological conditions and was on an instrument flight rules flight plan. No injuries were reported. The airplane had departed the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey, about 2 hours and 40 minutes prior to the accident. A report submitted by the operator stated that the airplane had landed at RFD and was taxiing when the accident occurred. The taxiway markings on the ramp were obscured by snow. The airplane impacted a light pole while being guided to parking by ground handlers including a wing-walker positioned at the right wing tip. The taxi speed was low due to the snow cover and positive contact with the ground handlers was maintained by the flight crew. The flight crew did not feel the impact with the light pole and were not aware of the accident until notified by company maintenance personnel after parking.