GoJet and SkyWest Make an Oopsie Taxiing into the Gate at O'Hare

The FAA is investigating an incident at the Chicago O'Hare International Airport, where two regional jets made contact as they were taxiing on their way to the gate.

The flights, GoJet Flight 4423 from Richmond, Virginia; and SkyWest Flight 5433 from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; made wing-to-wing contact as they were maneuvering into their gates on December 5th. The aircraft headed to their appointed terminals and disembarked all their passengers normally, with no injuries reported.

GoJet placed the blame on SkyWest, indirectly stating their aircraft was "parked waiting for a gate" when its wing was clipped by "another aircraft operator." SkyWest said it was operating a flight as United Express, and maintenance staff were working on evaluating the extent of the damage. They said the incident occurred when their plane was making a slow taxi to the gate, and apparently didn't feel the matter merited much more detail.

The incident comes at a time of heightened wariness surrounding the terminal environment, with high-profile close calls at the forefront of the traveling public's mind. The FAA's investigation will undoubtedly help to provide yet more data surrounding the issues facing ground controllers, whether it's the result of sloppy control, miscommunication, or pilot error.

FMI: www.faa.gov