What happened
On January 16, 2007, at approximately 15:30 local time, an Airbus A320, registration G-VCED, was parked at stand E22 of Tenerife South Airport. The aircraft, operated by My Travel Airways, was preparing for a non-scheduled flight to Newcastle, United Kingdom. During the boarding process, a specialized vehicle operated by the ground service provider, INEUROPA HANDLING, was being used to transport passengers with reduced mobility.
As three passengers were positioned on the vehicle's front platform, the frame holding the platform to the truck's upper braces failed. This structural failure created a gap between the platform and the aircraft, causing the three passengers to fall. While the crew and driver managed to assist, the fall resulted in two serious injuries and one minor injury among the passengers. The aircraft eventually departed later that evening after the injured individuals were transported to a hospital.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical condition of the boarding vehicle and the oversight protocols of the airport and ground service provider. The vehicle, which had been modified in the mid-1990s for passenger transport, was found to be in a state of advanced deterioration. Post-accident inspections revealed that the rivets securing the platform to the cabin were heavily corroded, with several having completely worn away. Furthermore, the wooden beams to which these rivets were fastened had completely rotted.
Investigators also reviewed the regulatory framework governing ground services at the airport. While the ground service company maintained a formal preventive maintenance and tracking system, the investigation found that the actual condition of the vehicle was far below required safety standards. Additionally, the investigation noted a lack of specific technical regulations from the DGAC regarding ground service requirements and a lack of evidence that AENA, the airport management, was performing inspections of the equipment used by concessionaires.
Findings
- The primary cause of the platform collapse was corroded anchor rivets attached to a rotted wooden structure.
- The vehicle exhibited generalized corrosion and significant material loss across various components.
- The vehicle lacked a clearly visible maximum weight rating or passenger capacity for the boarding platform.
- Faulty vehicle maintenance by the ground service provider contributed to the equipment's deterioration.
- A lack of oversight by AENA regarding the condition of equipment provided by ground service companies contributed to the accident.