What happened
On 17 December 2014, at approximately 0605 UTC, a Boeing 737-8AS, registered EI-EBR, was parked at London Luton Airport for a commercial passenger flight. While the aircraft was being prepared for service, a baggage tractor collided with the forward fuselage. The impact occurred as the vehicle approached the forward cargo hold to begin loading luggage. The collision caused scrapes and dents to the right side of the lower forward fuselage, with the damage extending more than one metre ahead of the cargo hold area. At the time of the impact, the only people on board were the six crew members, who were not aware that the collision had occurred until notified by an engineer.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident was conducted by the ground handling company. The inquiry established that the driver of the tractor attempted to load 20 bags into the aircraft quickly. This task was performed without the assistance of additional personnel and without utilizing a belt loader vehicle. The company's established safety protocols require the use of a belt loader for such tasks and mandate that a safety observer must be present before any vehicle approaches within three metres of an aircraft. The investigation also noted that a similar incident involving a Boeing 737-8AS, registered EI-EXF, had occurred at London Stansted Airport less than a month earlier.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the driver attempting to load bags rapidly without using a belt loader or following safety distance protocols.
- The aircraft sustained a dented forward fuselage skin.
- The aircraft was withdrawn from commercial service for several days to facilitate necessary repairs.