N357BE

On February 12, 2000, about 1845 Eastern Standard Time, a Saab 340B, N357BE, sustained minor damage when it was struck by a vehicle while standing, at General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, Boston, Massachusetts. The airplane was operated by Business Express Airlines as flight 4703. There were no injuries to the 3 crewmembers, or 6 passengers; while 2 ground personnel received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight destined for Portland International Jetport, Portland, Maine. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 121.

The Director of Safety at Business Express stated that the airplane was parked at the gate, while passengers were boarding. Approximately 6 out of 15 passengers had boarded the airplane.

He added that a driver of a catering truck initially had an assistant in the truck. The assistant was removed, and assigned to another position. The driver became angry that he had to work without an assistant, drove erratically, and struck the right wing of the airplane. The driver, and a baggage handler loading the airplane, were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. The driver was charged with reckless driving by the Massachusetts State Police.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector revealed damage to the right aileron and right wing spar cap.