Dark snowy night IAD large apron. Baggage cart tried to dart in front, then decided to chicken out (too late). 4 on F/D, one a CAA inspector (RK), 12 kts. Little lurch felt, decided 'twas icy patch, saw nothing. Parked. G/E appears on FD white faced-' Gee, what did you hit?'....'Que?' #4 engine well scrunched, flashing red lights visible 1/2 mile away- reality hits home. 2 crew ride over to see- baggage cart on side, roof removed by #4, lady driver inside (lying on side) seeing stars, muttering 'I thought it was a DC9!' (it was not...try a 747). Off to hospital. F/O Rainboe (driving), sitting with CAA man, idly looks at cockpit escape rope (actually metal tape) and roof hatch and suggests, to save time, wraps said rope around neck and jumps out of hatch. CAA inspector says 'nah...you live to fight another day!'. Never heard more. Delayed 24 hours whilst very bent cowling repaired and hammered out.
Felt bad for BC driver. Would like to have gone to hosp and brought flowers, but US legal processes so funny and dangerous could not afford any danger of admitting liability. Never heard any more. Still feel guilty at appearing so heartless (yes- Rainboe has a heart.....somewhere). But that's the law for you.