Incident Overview
On 20 August 2024, at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA), an Embraer E170 STD with registration SP-LDG, operated by LS Airport Services S.A., was damaged during ground handling. The incident occurred at a parking stand after the forward cargo hold had been loaded. A belt loader operator drove the vehicle to the wing area and positioned it parallel to the aircraft. He then exited the belt loader, leaving the engine running, the parking brake not applied, and wheel chocks not installed. While removing a warning cone from in front of the aircraft, the belt loader began to roll forward on its own. The operator attempted to stop it, but the vehicle moved into the right engine (engine No. 2) of the aircraft.
Damage and Injuries
The collision damaged the engine fan, the right thrust reverser cowl, a hydraulic line, and the inlet of the GE CF34 engine. An inspection confirmed that the damage prevented the planned flight from being operated. The belt loader operator sustained an injury during the attempt to stop the vehicle and required medical attention. The Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation (PKBWL) listed one person with light injuries among ground personnel; no other injuries were reported.
Investigation Findings
LS Airport Services conducted an inspection of the belt loader at the scene and confirmed that the braking system functioned correctly. However, the vehicle was withdrawn from service due to damage sustained in the collision. The coordinator present at the aircraft did not notice the incident. The investigation found that the incident was not due to a lack of appropriate procedures or instructions in the LSAS manuals. The LOT Aviation Safety Department found no irregularities in the actions of the operator's personnel.
Probable Cause and Contributing Factor
The direct cause of the incident was improper operation of the belt loader. A contributing factor was insufficient observation of the aircraft parking stand by the coordinator.