Accident at Winnipeg, Manitoba

1996-03-09: The crew of N707CA arrived at Winnipeg to pick up the New York Islanders Hockey Team. The aircraft was taxied to ramp 2 where it was to be parked at the Avitat Esso refuelling centre. A BAC 111 had been parked earlier and restricted the manoeuvring area. The aircraft was marshalled to the northeast corner of the refuelling station, there were two wing walkers besides the nose marshaller. The aircraft was shut down and the crew disembarked, the captain was advised by the ramp attendant that the aircraft elevator had come in contact with and in fact had knocked down a 40 foot light standard. The captain inspected the elevator to evaluate the damage which was substantial. Arrangements were made with Air Canada to have the aircraft towed to their hangar and await a replacement elevator. The captain reported that the two hundred series 727 tail is just outside the turning radius of the wings. This is due to the added length of the aircraft, which may explain why the tail section hit the light standard.