Summary
On March 5, 2015, at Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (EPGD), an Airbus A-320 was being towed to a hangar for replacement of the logo light on the vertical stabilizer. Poor weather conditions prevented the work from being performed on the apron. During the towing operation, the vertical stabilizer made contact with the hangar door structure, resulting in damage.
Incident Details
The towing operation was coordinated between the maintenance organization and the handling agent. Communication relied on manual signals and radio communication with the tow truck driver. When the vertical stabilizer was passing the hangar gate, the maintenance coordinator realized the dangerously small clearance and attempted to stop the towing. However, no manual "STOP" signal was given to the driver, and no radio command was transmitted because the driver's radio was inoperative due to a completely discharged battery.
Cause
The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation determined the cause to be the lack of functional radio communication between the tow truck driver and the cooperating personnel during the towing operation. A contributing circumstance was the absence of procedures in the maintenance organization specifying how to conduct towing to and from the hangar.
Preventive Measures
The maintenance organization updated its internal procedures regarding towing to and from the hangar, defining communication methods and personnel responsibilities. Additionally, cooperation rules with the handling agent during such towing operations were established.
Commission Comment
The Commission noted that when procedures involve multiple service organizations, mutual agreement among all involved entities is necessary for proper operation. Furthermore, any procedure relying on radio communication must include a requirement to verify its functioning before commencing any activity.
No safety recommendations were issued by the Commission.