Accident Details
On 17 December 2014 at 0605 UTC, a Boeing 737-8AS (registration EI-EBR) was parked at London Luton Airport when a baggage tractor struck its forward fuselage. The aircraft was conducting a commercial passenger flight but had no passengers on board; only the crew of six were present. The crew were unaware of the impact until informed by an engineer. Inspection revealed scrape marks and dents extending more than one metre forward of the cargo hold on the right side of the forward, lower fuselage.
Investigation
The ground handling company investigated the incident. It was determined that the tractor struck the aircraft when the driver attempted to load 20 bags quickly, without assistance and without the use of a belt loader vehicle. Company procedures require the use of a belt loader and the presence of a safety person whenever a vehicle approaches within three metres of an aircraft. The driver did not follow these protocols.
Aftermath
The aircraft was removed from commercial service for several days to allow repairs to the dented forward fuselage skin. Following the accident, the ground handling company reassessed its handling processes and training procedures. All ramp staff were retrained, and the auditing of turnarounds was increased to prevent similar occurrences.
Similar Occurrence
This accident was similar to an incident involving another Boeing 737-8AS (EI-EXF) at London Stansted Airport on 3 December 2014.