Incident Overview
On 29 October 2020, at approximately 11:38 local time, an Airbus A320-232 (serial number 4509, manufactured 2010) was parked at Gate 20B of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in Pudahuel, Santiago, Chile. The aircraft was in the process of passenger disembarkation. The flight crew consisted of a 48-year-old Uruguayan captain and a 29-year-old Chilean first officer. There were 180 passengers and 7 crew members on board.
Simultaneously, a tow tractor operator (monitor towing) was towing an Airbus A320-214 from a maintenance apron to Gate 21B. During the maneuver, the towed aircraft entered Gate 21 and its left wingtip collided with the left wingtip of the parked A320-232 at Gate 20B.
Damage
The parked A320-232 sustained damage to its left wingtip fence (sharklet), including denting and material loss. The structural integrity was compromised, requiring complete replacement of the wingtip fence and additional special inspections as mandated by Airbus before the aircraft could return to service. The inspections revealed no further issues.
The towed A320-214 also suffered damage to its wingtip sharklet, with denting and material loss, necessitating replacement of that component.
Injuries and Occupants
All 180 passengers and 7 crew members of the parked aircraft were uninjured. No injuries were reported among personnel involved in the towing operation.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of the incident, weather at SCEL was CAVOK with visibility unrestricted, wind from 180° at 5 knots, temperature 21°C, and no significant weather phenomena. The apron area had unlimited visibility.
Communications
Communications between ground control and the tow tractor operator were recorded and transcribed by an air traffic controller.
Investigation
The investigation was conducted by the Chilean aviation authority (DGAC) following ICAO Annex 13 standards. The report did not identify a probable cause.