What happened
On August 18, 2007, at Faro Airport (LPFR), a Boeing 757/300, registration G-JMAB, was parked at its stand with engines shut down during a passenger transport operation. A ramp operator, driving a motorized passenger step toward the rear passenger door, attempted to stop the vehicle but found the brakes were non-functional. The vehicle continued moving and struck the aircraft fuselage near the pressurization out-flow valve. A second operator was positioned on the top of the step platform to assist with the positioning of lateral guards at the time of the impact. The collision resulted in light damage to the aircraft, including dents to the fuselage skin and an inoperable out-flow valve, which required the aircraft to wait for a replacement part before it could be ferried to its base for permanent repairs.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation established that the ramp operator was likely under significant pressure to expedite passenger disembarkation, a situation exacerbated by an ongoing ground handling personnel strike. Although the operator claimed to be driving slowly, the supervisor and the extent of the damage indicated that the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed for the maneuver, particularly given the negative gradient of the ramp area.
Upon the failure of the service brakes, the operator attempted to engage reverse gear—a maneuver that is typically restricted while the vehicle is in forward motion—rather than applying the handbrake, citing concerns for the safety of the colleague on the platform. The investigation also found that the last technical inspection of the motorized step had been conducted over a year prior, in July 2006, and there were no recent records of maintenance regarding the braking system. Furthermore, the operator had failed to perform a functional check of the braking system after starting the engine and pressurizing the hydraulic system.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the braking system, which the operator was unaware of due to a lack of pre-operational functional checks.
- The operator drove the equipment at an excessive speed relative to the maneuver and the terrain.
- Operational stress caused by a ground handling strike and the pressure to maintain quick turnaround times contributed to the omission of standard safety checks.
- The operator's attempt to use reverse gear to stop the vehicle was inappropriate and did not prevent the collision.