What happened
On November 4, 2016, at 17:45 local time, a ground service incident occurred at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport involving an Airbus A319, registration YU-APA, operated by Air Serbia. The aircraft was parked at position C5, undergoing preparations for flight JU404 to Copenhagen. At the time of the event, passengers were in the process of boarding, and the aircraft was connected to an external power source.
Following the completion of baggage loading, the driver of an AVIOGEI NS 450 baggage loader, owned by the airport, was instructed by a ground service controller to move the vehicle away from the aircraft. While reversing the vehicle, the driver attempted to steer through a gap between baggage trailers. During this maneuver, the driver applied an excessive steering correction, causing the vehicle's left front rearview mirror bracket to strike the engine number 2 (right side) intake cowling of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the physical damage, the operational environment, and the driver's actions. The inspection of the Airbus A319 revealed a scratch approximately 4cm long and 0.5-0.8cm wide on the engine intake cowling, along with some paint transfer. A secondary contact from the vehicle's cabin caused additional paint transfer to the cowling, though no structural deformation was noted at that specific contact point.
Investigators confirmed that the driver was in a proper psycho-physical state, fully trained, and not under the influence of any substances. The baggage loader was verified to be in good working order and had been cleared for service earlier that day. The investigation also noted that no other personnel were present near the vehicle to assist the driver or provide guidance during the maneuver.