Lisbon Airport Pushback Incident Involves EasyJet Airbus A319 (G-EZIV)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On 12 July 2010 at 21:00 UTC, an EasyJet Airbus A319, registration G-EZIV, was being towed from stand 146 to taxiway R1 at Lisbon Airport (LPPT). The aircraft, serial number 2565, was carrying 96 passengers and six crew members. The incident occurred during a pushback operation, resulting in damage to the aircraft's nose and the number 2 engine cowling. No injuries were reported to passengers, crew, or ground personnel. ## Sequence of Events The aircraft was being towed using a tow tractor and a tow bar. During the final phase of the maneuver, the support pins of the tow bar fractured, causing the tow bar to detach from the nose gear. The aircraft continued to move forward and struck the tow tractor. The flight crew had already started engine number 2 and was in the process of starting engine number 1 when the incident occurred. The ground crew, consisting of a ramp officer, the tractor driver, and a maneuvering assistant, was present. The tractor driver attempted to pull the aircraft into position on the taxiway but the aircraft began to push the tractor, leading to the fracture of the tow bar pins. ## Investigation Findings The investigation concluded that the incident was caused by the fracture of the tow bar fixing pins. Contributing factors included the pushback maneuver and the wear of the tractor's tires. The DFDR data showed that the engines remained at idle throughout the sequence and that the brakes were not applied before the impact. The aircraft's speed did not exceed 2 knots. The investigation also noted that the ramp officer's position and the noise from the engines delayed the notification to the flight crew. ## Safety Recommendations Two safety recommendations were issued as a result of the investigation. The handling company, which was certified and based at Lisbon Airport, maintained records of equipment control and maintenance. The tractor, a MULAG Comet 12 A, had been inspected 10 days before the incident, and the tow bar had been inspected 44 days prior. The investigation emphasized the importance of equipment condition and operational procedures in preventing similar incidents.