What happened
On 1 April 2015, at approximately 06:25 UTC, two Boeing 737-8AS aircraft were involved in a ground collision while taxiing at Dublin Airport. The first aircraft, registration EI-DWE, was taxiing via LINK2 toward runway 28 and had come to a stop at the entrance of taxiway F1. The second aircraft, registration EI-DYA, was also maneuvering through LINK2 with instructions to turn right onto taxiway A for a departure from runway 3 and was specifically cautioned by controllers regarding wingtip clearance with the aircraft ahead.
Following the movement, the crew of EI-DWE reported a potential contact with the trailing aircraft, which was subsequently confirmed by the crew of EI-DYA. The collision resulted in no injuries to the crew or passengers, though the aircraft sustained damage: the starboard elevator of EI-DWE was damaged, and the port winglet of EI-DYA was affected. Air Traffic Control immediately suspended all ground operations and coordinated with emergency services to inspect the scene.
The investigation
The AAIU examination focused on the ground movements of both aircraft during dual runway operations. The investigation established that while the first aircraft was stationary, the second aircraft was maneuvering through the same taxiway area. The investigation also noted that a comparable event had occurred at the same location on 7 October 2014. Investigators reviewed the local traffic regulations specified in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Ireland, which include restrictions on aircraft movement between taxiway A and LINK2/TWY F2 when aircraft are holding on taxiway F1.
Findings
- Dual runway operations were active for departures from both runway 34 and runway 28.
- EI-DWE was stationary on the taxiway with the intent to depart runway 28.
- EI-DYA was maneuvering behind the stationary aircraft toward taxiway A.
- The collision occurred during the maneuvering of the second aircraft through the LINK2 area.