Incident Overview
On 6 May 2023, at 06:30 local time, an Airbus A-320 was parked at position E2B, Pier E, Terminal 2 of Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in Pudahuel, Metropolitan Region. The aircraft was conducting a pushback maneuver (assisted reverse movement) with the crew and all passengers on board, prepared for departure. Ground Control authorized the pushback from parking position E2B to the engine start and taxi initiation area.
During the linear reverse movement, the aircraft's empennage, where the auxiliary power unit (APU) is located, collided with the structure of a Jet Blast barrier adjacent to the designated parking bridge.
Aircraft and Occupants
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A-320. The flight was carrying 6 crew members and 127 passengers, totaling 133 occupants on board. No injuries were reported among the crew or passengers.
Damage
The accident investigation team, with support from the aircraft operator and the ground handling company responsible for aircraft towing, inspected the aircraft, the movement area, the parking area, and the Jet Blast barrier. The damage to the A-320 was located in the empennage area housing the APU.
Investigation
The Chilean Aviation Accident Investigation Board (CIAAC) conducted the investigation in accordance with Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention and Chilean regulations (DAR-13). The report included factual information on personnel, aircraft, weather, aids, communications, airport, flight recorders, and other aspects. No probable cause or contributing factors were stated in the available report excerpt.