Incident Overview
On 31 October 2005, at 12:23 UTC, a ground incident occurred at Madeira Airport (LPMA) involving an Airbus A320, registration OY-VKM, operated by My Travel Airways on flight VKG-623 from Billund (EKBI) to Madeira and returning. The aircraft had landed at 12:18 and taxied to parking position A-03, where it stopped at 12:23.
Sequence of Events
A tractor (number 06-16) towing a passenger stairs unit (number 004) approached the rear passenger door (L2) to position the stairs for passenger disembarkation. The driver stopped a few meters from the aircraft and asked a companion who was riding with him to disconnect the stairs from the tractor and bring them to the aircraft. The companion dismounted from the tractor but, before he could release the stairs, the driver abruptly accelerated and initiated a right turn. During this maneuver, the stairs struck the aircraft's tail, behind the rear passenger door and below the left horizontal stabilizer. The impact tore the fuselage skin, creating a gash a few centimeters wide and approximately one meter long.
Damage and Subsequent Actions
The aircraft sustained minor damage in a non-pressurized area. In accordance with Airbus work order M-300536-EMBOD, the aircraft was authorized to conduct a ferry flight to a location where repairs could be performed.
Analysis and Conclusions
The incident was attributed to an irregular maneuver by the tractor driver, who failed to stop at a safe distance and wait for the stairs to be disconnected. All vehicle maneuvers on the apron should be executed with care and at low speeds, especially near aircraft, as per driving regulations applicable to all authorized airport vehicle operators.
Probable Cause
The accident was due to an irregular maneuver of the driver of the towing tractor of the passenger stairs, who disregarded safety and driving rules within the aircraft parking apron and other circulation areas within the airport.