What happened
During a night cargo operation at East Midlands Airport on 16 June 2021, a Boeing 737-4Y0F, registration EC-MIE, was involved in a ground incident following a pushback from Stand 99. After the pushback and engine start-up were completed, the ground crew began disconnecting equipment. During this process, the tug driver noticed the headset operative walking away while leaving a chock in front of the aircraft's nosewheel.
Distracted by this observation, the tug driver proceeded to remove the chock and collect the headset operative but failed to secure the towbar to the tug. The towbar was left positioned on the taxiway directly in front of the aircraft. Once the crew received clearance from Air Traffic Control, the aircraft commenced taxiing. Shortly after movement began, the flight crew felt a sensation similar to the application of brakes. The aircraft subsequently struck the abandoned towbar, resulting in damage to two landing gear tyres and the towbar itself.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined CCTV footage and interviewed the ground personnel involved. The investigation established that the headset operative had failed to perform the standard task of removing the chock and handing it to the tug driver. The tug driver, observing this, prioritised removing the chock to prevent a potential incident but, in doing so, neglected to reattach the towbar to the tug.
Furthermore, the investigation found that the ground crew did not perform a final check of the taxiway area before departing. The headset operative provided visual clearance to the flight crew without verifying that the path ahead was clear of equipment. The tug driver also failed to wait for the aircraft to begin its taxi movement to ensure the area was unobstructed.
Findings
- The towbar was left on the taxiway because the tug driver was distracted by the headset operative's failure to remove the nosewheel chock.
- The ground crew failed to verify that the taxiway was clear of equipment before departing the area.
- The headset operative provided visual clearance to the flight crew without confirming the absence of obstructions.
- The tug driver did not remain in view of the aircraft to ensure the taxiway was clear during the initial movement.