Primary finding
Probable cause
A ground collision by SkyWest flight 5845 that resulted in substantial damage to Republic Airlines flight 3594.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
It was the third and last flight of the day for the crew of SkyWest flight 5845. After landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (KORD), Chicago, Illinois, they taxied to Gate B21 but had to wait because the gate was occupied. After Gate B21 was cleared, and as they entered to park, their left winglet impacted the right elevator of Republic Airways flight 3594, which had just pushed back from gate B22. Gate B21 was equipped with a self-park (APIS) guidance system that illuminated green, and the SkyWest flight crew said they thought it indicated that Gate B21’s Safety Zone was clear of obstacles. SkyWest Airlines did not use ground crew to ensure obstacle clearance. The flight crew of Republic flight 3594 stated that they had just pushed back from Gate B22. The tug had disconnected, the parking brake was set, and they had started both engines, and were awaiting taxi instructions, when their airplane was impacted by SkyWest flight 5845.