What happened
On February 12, 2016, an ATR-72-200 was being towed from parking stand 712 via taxiway B1 and an extension of the taxiway toward the operator's hangar at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). The towing operation was conducted by two qualified mechanics, including a tow driver authorized for aircraft movement on the maneuvering area.
While executing a right turn toward the EADS gate, the tip of the aircraft's left wing struck a light pole located opposite the gate. The impact caused damage to the navigation light lens, the aileron lightning arrester, and the paintwork on the aileron counterweight. The light pole itself was also damaged.
The investigation
The investigation established that the path used for the tow, while not a formal taxiway, is used exclusively for towing operations. The geometry of the route near the EADS gate requires a very tight turning radius, leaving a minimal margin of error between the aircraft's wingspan and nearby infrastructure. Additionally, a deep, muddy rut had formed on the inner edge of the turn due to a previous towing operation by a different ground handler.
To avoid the risk of the main landing gear slipping into this rut and potentially damaging the undercarriage, the tow driver intentionally steered a wider path. Based on his experience, the driver believed this wider path provided sufficient clearance from the light pole on the opposite side. However, the position of the tug relative to the fuselage during the turn obscured the view of the far wingtip. Furthermore, the operation was conducted with the sun low on the horizon, causing glare that blinded both the driver and the assisting mechanic.
Findings
- Lack of due care by the tow driver and the assisting mechanic.
- The tight geometry of the maneuvering path.
- The presence of obstacles in close proximity to the path, providing a very small margin for error.
- Reduced visibility caused by sun glare.
Safety action
Following the incident, the following measures were implemented:
- Towing operations between the hangar entrance and taxiway B1 will now require a "wing walker" to continuously monitor the aircraft's clearance.
- Communication protocols between the driver, wing walker, and observers must be strictly maintained.
- Efforts were initiated to remove or relocate the light pole near the EADS gate.
- Technical personnel were briefed on the incident, and ground operations safety training was organized.