What happened
On 25 March 2016, a Bombardier Global Express BD-700-1A10, registration N683GA, arrived at Owen Roberts International Airport in the Cayman Islands during the early morning hours. Due to a communication error regarding the flight's arrival time, a parking stand had not been pre-assigned. The aircraft was marshalled into Stand 2, positioned between a parked Boeing 737 and a Saab 3/40B.
Because the aircraft's tail was protruding into the taxiway, the Airport Duty Officer (ADO) requested that the aircraft be repositioned. To facilitate this, the flight crew decided to move the aircraft themselves. The ADO attempted to assist by marshalling the aircraft using a single, partially lit wand. During the manoeuvre, the commander interpreted the signals as an instruction to turn right. To execute this sharp turn, the pilot increased power on the right engine. The resulting jet blast from the engine caused the adjacent Saab 340B, registration VP-CKI, to shift on its stand. This movement caused the Saab's left wing to strike passenger steps that had been left on the stand. The incident resulted in no fatalities or injuries, though the Saab 340B sustained damage to its left engine spinner, propeller, and outboard left underwing surface.
The investigation
The investigation established that the arrival of N683GA was not clearly communicated to the ramp manager, leading to the lack of a pre-assigned stand. The investigation found that the aircraft was parked without the required wingmen, and the subsequent repositioning was conducted without a full marshalling crew, which violated the airport's established procedures. Furthermore, the investigation noted that ground handling equipment had been left on the stand in violation of safety protocols.
Findings
- The lack of notification regarding the flight's arrival led to the use of ad hoc parking and marshalling procedures.
- The jet blast from the engine caused the adjacent aircraft to move and collide with ground equipment.
- The marshalling procedure was performed without the required two wingmen.
- Ground handling equipment was not removed from the stand as required by the airport's management manual.