What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-01-06 involved an ATR-72, at Wrocław (EPWR), PL.

Forklift Damages ATR-72 Cargo Door During Loading at Wrocław Airport

On January 6, 2016, an ATR-72 was involved in an aviation accident near Wrocław (EPWR), PL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the incident was lack of attention by the forklift operator. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL).

On 6 January 2016, an ATR-72 cargo aircraft sustained a minor dent to its cargo door when struck by a forklift at EPWR. The mechanic cleared the aircraft for flight. The incident was caused by the forklift operator's lack of attention.

Incident Details

On 6 January 2016, during loading operations for a cargo flight from Wrocław Airport (EPWR) to Birmingham Airport (EGBB), the lower edge of the cargo door of an ATR-72 aircraft was damaged by a forklift, resulting in a slight dent. A mechanic present at the scene inspected the aircraft and cleared it for flight. No injuries were reported. The event was classified as an incident by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) under reference number 16/16.

Cause

The investigation determined that the cause of the incident was the forklift operator's lack of attention.

Actions Taken

The investigating entity, the airport operator, took two preventive actions. First, flight personnel were briefed on the circumstances of the incident. Second, a set of protective guards designed to be attached to the cargo door edge during loading was prepared to avoid or minimize similar occurrences. The commission did not issue any safety recommendations. The investigation was overseen by Edward Łojek and, from 1 June 2017, by Andrzej Bartosiewicz. No formal investigation team was appointed.

Probable cause

The cause of the incident was lack of attention by the forklift operator.

2016-01-06: ATR-72 — Wrocław (EPWR), PL