Event Details
On June 2, 2015, an incident occurred at EPLL (Lodz Airport) involving a Boeing 737-800. The aircraft was being prepared for departure after ground handling.
Sequence of Events
After aircraft servicing, a ground handling worker performed a walkaround inspection to check readiness. The main landing gear chocks were removed after the stairs were taken away. Following the inspection, the worker connected the intercom headset, contacted the crew, and began the engine start procedure. Engine number 2 was started first, followed by engine number 1. After engine start, the front landing gear chock was removed by an electrician, and a corresponding signal was given to the crew. The entire process was supervised by a ground movement controller who remained in the crew's field of view.
Shortly after, the crew informed ground handling that engine parameters were normal, agreed to end intercom communication, and stated they would await a visual signal from the left side of the aircraft for taxi clearance. After the intercom plug was disconnected, difficulty arose in closing the protective cover due to a jammed latch. The ground worker requested assistance from the ground controller, causing both to step out of the crew's view. Once the jam was resolved, both workers began moving away from the aircraft. At that moment, the aircraft started taxiing without having received the previously agreed visual signal. Because taxi speed was still low, both workers were able to move to a safe distance.
Probable Cause
The crew started taxiing without obtaining the signal of permission from the ground movement controller, which meant that all ground handling personnel had moved away to a safe distance from the aircraft.
Preventive Measures
The incident's causes and sequence were discussed with all ground movement controllers and ground handling staff in the context of applicable regulations and procedures.