What happened
On July 4, 2007, an incident occurred at Dublin Airport involving two Bombardier BD-70 to 00-1A10 aircraft. While being towed along a runway that had been temporarily withdrawn from service for use as a parking area, the aircraft with registration N6VB collided with a parked Bombardier BD-700-1A10, registration N20EG.
The collision caused significant structural damage to the nose of N20EG, including the detachment of the radome and damage to the radar antenna and bulkhead. The impact also caused the parked aircraft to shift, mounting the roof of a nearby crew van and causing damage to the vehicle. The towed aircraft, N6VB, sustained damage to its wingtip, winglet, and navigation light assembly. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The investigation
The investigation examined the movement of the tug and the condition of the airfield markings. The tug driver was maneuvering N6VB along the disused Runway 11/29. During the tow, the driver encountered confusing surface markings, as the taxiway lines did not conform to the published Aerodrome Directive. The investigation also noted that the tug was being operated with a shattered windscreen.
Furthermore, the investigation established that the marshaller, who was providing escort and radio communication, was not in a position to act as a wing-marker at the moment of impact. The investigation also reviewed the airfield's marking standards, noting that the presence of old, unremoved taxiway lines contributed to the complexity of the environment.
Findings
- The tug driver failed to maintain adequate separation from the parked aircraft.
- There were no wing-markers in position as required by the aerodrome's operating procedures.
- The taxiway markings on the disused runway were inadequate and did not match the official Aerodrome Directive, leading to driver confusion.
- The tug was being operated in an unserviceable condition due to a broken windscreen.