United 737 collides with deicing trucks at denver – crew ‘engaged in conversation’
A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 slammed into two deicing trucks at Denver International Airport on March 6th, sending shockwaves through the aviation community. The incident, which occurred as a light snow was falling, resulted in minor injuries to a deicing agent and a significant disruption to flight operations.
Initial investigation reveals critical crew communication lapse
The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report paints a disconcerting picture. Flight 605, bound for Nashville, was taxiing after deicing when the collision occurred, reportedly around 8:30 AM. According to crew statements, the captain was unsure if the flight had received clearance to proceed, citing an ‘engagement in conversation’ with a crew member. This apparent lack of situational awareness – a serious breach of protocol – immediately raises questions about communication procedures and oversight.
Crucially, the report indicates uncertainty regarding whether all deicing vehicles were positioned behind the designated clearance lines. The flight crew initiated a post-deice check and subsequently received clearance to taxi, but the impact was felt moments later – a jarring collision with ‘something’.
Mag 94 and mag 95 sustained damage
The collision directly impacted two MAG deicing trucks: MAG 94, striking the left wing, and MAG 95, which was pushed onto its side. Aeromag’s damage assessment reveals significant damage to both vehicles, highlighting the potential for catastrophic consequences. The operation was utilizing four MAG 94 trucks spraying ‘type 4 fluid’ forward of the wings, with MAG 95 and MAG 28 positioned aft of the wings, while MAG 30 was situated further back. The lack of immediate response to the movement of the aircraft underscores a critical failure in ground control protocols.
A total of 130 passengers and six crew members – including two pilots and four flight attendants – were on board. Thankfully, injuries were limited to minor trauma sustained by one deicing agent. The FAA and United Airlines are fully cooperating with the ongoing NTSB investigation, which is expected to delve into the precise sequence of events and identify contributing factors.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intricate and often perilous dance between air and ground operations. Let’s hope this serves as a forceful lesson, not merely a footnote in the annals of aviation safety.