Date: 201703
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Aircraft: B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Taxi
Aircraft component: Winglet
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Instructor; Pilot Not Flying; Captain
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Situational Awareness
Second reporter function: Pilot Flying; Trainee; First Officer
Anomaly: Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Detector: Person Flight Crew; Person Ground Personnel
When detected: Taxi
Result: Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Human Factors
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Aircraft was taxiing in to Gate at night; 3 marshallers were present. All 3 indicated 'all clear.' There was a catering truck in close proximity to the right wing. Aircraft stopped; right wing marshaller indicated 'all clear' with wands. Aircraft proceeded forward. Aircraft lower right scimitar winglet struck catering truck.


Second narrative: This was the second leg; second day; of a three day 737 Captain Upgrade OE trip for me. I was the student and in the left seat. We originated around XA:00 then had a three hour sit; delayed an hour for late inbound aircraft. We landed and taxied to the gate. Approaching the top of the hill; we shut off the number two engine and prepared for the right turn into the gate. I was holding 7-8 knots groundspeed for the 90 degree right turn into the gate.As we approached the turn; we had two wing marshallers; each with a red lighted wand held in the air in the 'all clear' signal. They were positioned at the top of the lead in line. We also had a marshaller standing on the lead in line. My turn to the gate was one continuous 90 degree turn; about 5-7 knots; with left engine N1 around 35%; using braking to control speed. As we were completing the turn; the lead marshaller began a 'identify gate/lead on line' signal with unlit wands. She then lit her wands and transitioned to a 'taxi straight ahead' signal. Right about then; my Line Check Airman (LCA) remarked he didn't like the look of a truck near the right edge of the safety zone. I slowed the aircraft to about 2 knots ground speed while he double checked the wing walker had a raised lighted wand (she did) and he looked out the right window and remarked that I would clear the truck and should continue. My focus remained on the lead marshaller; who continued her 'taxi straight ahead' signal; and I continued at 2-3 knots ground speed; 30% N1; using brakes to control speed. A few feet short of the stop point I felt a jolt; similar to a large pothole; and slowed the aircraft. The marshaller continued (never wavered) her 'taxi straight ahead' signal. I continued a few more feet until her stop signal was given and set the brake.It was at this moment; it donned on us we might have hit the truck. My LCA opened his window to lean out; look; and confirmed we had hit the truck. We then secured the parking checklist; notified local operations; called Maintenanc; called the Duty Manager; and called the Incident Hotline. After securing the aircraft (terminating checklist) we reported to station operations to await drug testing. This was completed around XP:00 and then we checked into the crew hotel.


Synopsis: Aircraft was taxiing in to Gate at night; 3 marshallers were present. All 3 indicated 'all clear.' There was a catering truck in close proximity to the right wing. Aircraft stopped; right wing marshaller indicated 'all clear' with wands. Aircraft proceeded forward. Aircraft lower right scimitar winglet struck catering truck.