History of Flight
On 16 October 2005 at 0450 UTC (1050 hrs local), SriLankan Airlines flight UL316, an Airbus A330-243 registered 4R-ALA, arrived from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and parked at Apron A, Bay 18 at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo, Sri Lanka. After chocks were positioned, ground operations commenced. Stepladders were positioned at the L1 and L4 doors for passenger disembarkation. All business class passengers disembarked through the L1 door stepladder, and economy-class passengers began disembarking through the L4 door stepladder.
Accident Sequence
While passengers were disembarking via the L4 door stepladder, a maintenance platform vehicle (MPV/Hi-Lifter) approached the aircraft to position under the APU for maintenance. The MPV collided with the stepladder at the L4 door, displacing it and creating a gap. One passenger fell through the gap and later succumbed to injuries. Seven other passengers and one other person sustained minor injuries.
Injuries to Persons
Fatalities: One passenger. Serious injuries: None. Minor injuries: Seven passengers and one other person. Crew: None injured.
Damage
The aircraft sustained no damage to its structure, systems, or components. The MPV and the stepladder were damaged.
Investigation Findings
The MPV operator stated that while approaching, he realized the foot brakes were malfunctioning. He took evasive action by turning the MPV away from the aircraft but did not apply the hand (parking) brakes. The distance between the stepladder position and the intended MPV position was approximately 28 feet. The MPV operator held a valid Apron Vehicle Driving Licence. A breathalyzer test showed he was not under the influence of alcohol. The cause of the passenger’s death was declared to be due to injuries from the fall.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of this accident is failure on the part of the MPV operator to stop the vehicle in time due to malfunction of foot brakes and hand brake not being used in time.