B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Maintenance Action
Company Policy; Procedure; Human Factors
While approaching the gate to park the aircraft; we observed two wing walkers. Both had their hands in the air indicating that the area was clear and that we should continue parking the aircraft. A marshaller was located under the self-park system guidance indicator. The marshaller and self-park system did not give any indication to stop and we continued to park. Suddenly the marshaller raised his hands in a cross; I immediately applied the brakes. Simultaneously I felt and heard a thump; indicating we had contacted something. We hit a catering truck resulting in damage to the scimitar winglet.
Upon arrival we taxied to [the gate]. The self-park system was on and was providing guidance to park. A Marshaller with a wing walker on the right side were also providing guidance. As we approached the gate the right side wing walker was near a catering truck and walking with the aircraft as we approached the gate. His wands were indicating that the wing would clear the truck. As the right wing neared the truck the wing walker crossed his wands and before I could say stop; the Captain applied the brakes upon seeing the marshaller cross his wands about the time the wing impacted the truck. After we came to a stop; the self-park system was still showing us clear and providing guidance to park. At no time did the self-park system indicate for us to stop. Even when a tug came in to tow us in; the self-park system still did not indicate obstructions in the area.
A B737 wingtip struck a catering truck while pulling into a gate with an apparently inoperative self parking system but guided by a Marshaller who commanded the stop taxiing and set brakes too late.