Airstart unit hose collision causes substantial damage to right wing (N8404)

What happened

Following the completion of engine start procedures, ground support personnel encountered difficulties in disconnecting the hose connected to the airstart unit. During this process, the ground signalman departed from the pilot's line of sight to assist other team members in their attempt to detach the equipment from the aircraft.

Assuming that all connections were secure and the area was clear for movement, the pilot initiated taxi operations without further visual confirmation from the ground crew. As the aircraft began to move forward, it collided with the airstart unit still attached or partially attached to the airframe. This collision resulted in substantial damage to the right wing of the aircraft.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the post-start ground handling phase. Investigators examined the point of contact between the moving aircraft and the stationary airstart equipment. The physical evidence confirmed that the right wing sustained significant structural impact damage consistent with striking the starting unit.

Findings

• Substantial damage to the aircraft's right wing caused by collision with the airstart unit
• Ground signalman left the view of the crew to assist others in disconnecting the unit
• Pilot assumed clearance and began taxi without verifying the status of the ground equipment
• Difficulty experienced by ground personnel in disconnecting the airstart unit hose