What happened
On May 6, 2023, at approximately 06:30 local time, an Airbus A320 was undergoing a pushback maneuver at the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in Pudahuel, Chile. The aircraft was positioned at parking stand E2B, Terminal 2, and was prepared for departure with a full crew and 127 passengers on board.
During the assisted pushback process, the lower portion of the aircraft's empennage, specifically the area housing the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), struck the jet blast deflector structure adjacent to the parking bridge. While the aircraft sustained damage to the tail section, the impact also caused deformation to the upper central part of the jet blast defermer. There were no injuries to the crew or the 127 passengers on board.
The investigation
DGAC Chile conducted an investigation into the incident, examining the movement of the aircraft, the ground equipment, and the procedures followed by the ground handling personnel. The investigation reviewed the communications between the aircraft and Ground Control, the maintenance records of the aircraft, and the operational manuals of the ground service provider.
Investigators analyzed the path taken by the aircraft tug (tractor) and the positioning of the wing walkers. The inquiry also considered environmental factors, noting that the maneuver took place during low-light conditions (pre-dawn) and examined the visibility of the jet blast deflector structure.