NTSB Factual Report

On August 1, 2003, at 1510 eastern daylight time, a Boeing 717-200, N970AT, operating as flight 460, registered to Wells Fargo Bank Northwest NA Trustee and operated by Airtran Airways Incorporated, collided with a baggage cart during powerback at Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia. The domestic passenger flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 121 with an instrument flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The airline transport rated captain, airline transport rated first officer, three flight attendants, and 116 passengers were uninjured. The flight was originating from Hartsfield International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia at the time of the accident.

According to the captain, after receiving permission from the ramp tower to commence the power-back, he flashed the taxi lights to the marshaller indicating he was cleared for the power-back. During the power-back while lining up parallel with the north-south taxi line the captain felt a loud thump on the left side of the airplane. The marshaller then gave the signal to stop the airplane.

According to the marshaller, he gave the captain the signal to begin the power-back. During the power-back turn a baggage tug was observed moving behind the airplane. After the turn was complete, the marshaller observed the tug driver getting jet blasted and one of the carts lying on the ground. The stop signal was given and the airplane came to a complete stop.

According to the left wing walker, the tug driver had come to a complete stop in the neutral area. The wing walker motioned the tug driver cross before the marshaller began the powerback. The tug driver pointed at his tug as if something had gone wrong, and the airplane collided with the baggage cart.

According to the tug driver, the wing walker cleared the tug to pass behind the airplane. The tug driver proceeded to cross the taxiway behind the airplane. As the tug driver proceeded slowly behind the airplane, the tug driver saw the trailing edge of the airplane coming towards him. He sped up in an attempt to avoid the airplane, and the wingtip of the airplane struck the forth cart knocking it off of the transporter.

Examination of the left wing revealed, the tailing edge of the aileron and wingtip were buckled.

Review of the Airtran Standard Practice Flight Crew Powerback procedures, General Guidelines 6719.3, Part (D) states: It is the responsibility of the ground crew to ensure that the ramp area is clear of foreign objects and conflicting traffic before and during powerback.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the ground crew to follow powerback procedures and directives.