Towing Accident Involving Airbus A220-300 at Brussels Airport

Casualties unknown • Brussels airport, BE

An Airbus A220-300 sustained substantial damage during a pushback towing operation at Brussels Airport due to a sliding tow truck.

What happened

On 21 November 2024, an Airbus A2D0-300 operated by a Swiss carrier arrived at Brussels Airport (EBBR) from Geneva. After landing on runway 25L and vacating the runway, the flight crew encountered slippery conditions while taxiing on taxiway E1. Due to the loss of traction, the crew proactively shut down both engines and requested assistance to be towed to the designated parking stand.

An airport handling agent dispatched a nose-lift truck to perform the tow. While navigating a turn, the tow truck lost traction on the slippery surface and slid underneath the aircraft. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage and one of the aircraft's antennas. There were no injuries reported among the 61 occupants on board.

The investigation

The Belgian Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU(Be)) is currently conducting an ongoing safety investigation. Investigators are gathering evidence from the airline, the airport authority, and the ground handling agent. The scope of the inquiry includes reviewing witness accounts, analyzing airport surveillance footage, and examining internal safety reports from all involved parties to understand the sequence of events.

Probable cause

A tow truck lost traction on a slippery taxiway surface during a turning maneuver, causing it to slide under the aircraft.

All BCS3 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-11-21 Airbus A220-300 accident near Brussels airport, BE?

An Airbus A220-300 sustained substantial damage during a pushback towing operation at Brussels Airport due to a sliding tow truck.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-11-21 involved a Airbus A220-300, at Brussels airport, BE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A tow truck lost traction on a slippery taxiway surface during a turning maneuver, causing it to slide under the aircraft.

Loading the flight search…