Incident Overview
On July 17, 2023, at 01:15 AM local time, a ground accident occurred on the N Apron of Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel. The event involved a Boeing 747-400F freighter (registration OE-LRG) operated by Challenge Airlines (BE), a parked FedEx Boeing 757-200F freighter (registration N918FD), and a tug vehicle.
Sequence of Events
The 747-400F was parked at stand N-21 and prepared for departure. A tug connected to a tow-bar began pushing the aircraft back toward engine start point 71 on the center line of November Apron. During the pushback, the aircraft started its engines and began moving forward, opposite to the tug's direction.
Simultaneously, interphone voice communication between ground personnel and the flight deck was lost. Ground personnel attempted to signal the flight crew to stop the aircraft's forward motion, but these attempts were unsuccessful.
As the aircraft moved forward, it overtook the tug, pushing it sideways. The left wingtip of the 747-400F struck the rudder of the parked 757-200F. The shear pins on the tow-bar failed due to overload, and the tug stopped, becoming stuck underneath the 747-400F's belly between the left main and body landing gears.
Damage
The 747-400F sustained damage to its body landing gear doors, two landing gear tires, and the left-hand wingtip. The parked 757-200F suffered damage to its rudder. The tug's forward passenger cabin and right-hand body exterior structure were damaged. The tow-bar's shear pins sheared off from overload.
Personnel and Injuries
No fatalities or injuries occurred. The flight crew consisted of a captain and a first officer, both holding valid licenses. The tug driver and the head of the towing team held current permits to tow aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. Additionally, a right and left wing walker were part of the ground crew.
Conditions
Weather was CAVOK with visibility conditions of night and a fully lit apron. The apron and taxiway lighting were fully operational. Communication was conducted on the Ben Gurion airport ground (east) channel.
Investigation
The Aircraft Safety Investigation Authority Israel (AIAI) opened an investigation. Flight recording data and other aspects remain under inspection. The investigation follows the Israel Air Navigation Law (2011) and ICAO Annex 13.