What happened
On May 5, 2019, a Boeing 737-800, registration SP-ESA, was performing pre-flight activities at Warsaw Okęcie Airport (EPWA) in preparation for an international flight to Hurghada (HEGN). During the pushback from stand number 98 onto taxiway ZO2, the flight crew conducted the "Before Taxi Procedure" checklist.
Following a lengthy pushback and engine start, the First Officer confirmed that the right side of the aircraft was clear of ground equipment, while the Captain confirmed the left side was clear. As the aircraft began to move, the Captain focused on monitoring nearby taxiing traffic and did not realize that the ground coordinator had not been formally released. After the aircraft released its brakes and moved approximately 20 cm, the ground coordinator, who was still connected to the aircraft via a headset, spoke through the interphone. The Captain immediately applied the brakes to halt the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation established that the ground coordinator had sought shelter under the aircraft fuselage due to light rain, which rendered him invisible to the flight crew during their visual inspection.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the improper execution of the "Before Taxi Procedure" checklist by the crew, which resulted in the commencement of taxiing while the ground coordinator was still connected to the aircraft.
- Light rain acted as a contributing factor, as the coordinator remained hidden under the fuselage.
Safety action
Following the incident, the operator issued a notification to pilots on May 8, 2019, emphasizing the absolute necessity of verifying that the area around the aircraft is free of all ground equipment and personnel before completing the "Before Taxi Procedure" checklist.