Incident Overview
During ground operations, an aircraft made contact with a ground power unit (GPU), causing damage to the GPU's pressure vessel. The event occurred after both engines had been started and as the airplane was maneuvering for taxi.
Sequence of Events
After starting the No. 2 engine, the captain signaled the ramp agent to disconnect the GPU. The agent indicated that the GPU had been disconnected, and the captain confirmed this by observing that the 'EXT PWR' annunciator light had extinguished and that no voltage was shown on the voltmeter for the external power selector. Subsequently, the No. 1 engine was started. The captain then signaled the ramp agent that he was ready to taxi. The agent responded with an all-clear signal and directed the captain to make a hard right turn. As the airplane pivoted to the right, the aft portion of the aircraft struck the GPU, rupturing its pressure vessel.
Post-Incident Observations
The captain stated that the disconnected GPU was not visible from the cockpit at the time of the turn. The incident resulted in damage to the GPU, but no other details regarding injuries or further damage are available.