What happened
On September 30, 2010, at approximately 16:25 UTC, a ground collision occurred at Khartoum International Airport involving two widebody aircraft. An Emirates Airline Airbus A340-50/500, registration A6-ERE, was parked at stand 3-1. During the same period, a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Airbus A330-200, registration PH-AOD, was taxiing for departure.
As the KLM aircraft proceeded via taxiway A, its left wingtip made contact with the empennage of the stationary Emirates aircraft. The collision occurred while the KLM crew was communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) to expedite their arrival at the runway. Following the impact, the KLM crew elected to shut down their engines and requested to be towed back to their parking position.
The investigation
The investigation examined the physical damage, the airport's apron layout, and the operational procedures in place at the time of the incident. Investigators reviewed ATC communications, which confirmed the sequence of events and the immediate notification of the strike by the Emirates crew.
Technical analysis focused on the clearance between the taxiway centerline and the parked aircraft. The investigation also looked into the presence of ground personnel, noting that the KLM aircraft had pushed back and commenced taxiing without the assistance of a marshaller. Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the suitability of the apron configuration for handling large-capacity aircraft and the recent transfer of the ATC personnel involved.