Introduction
On 9 January 2025, at 14:56 UTC, a Boeing 737-8JP aircraft, registered as SE-RPU, experienced a collision while taxiing to its parking position at Copenhagen Airport (EKCH). The aircraft was operated by Norwegian and was performing a scheduled flight from Málaga (LEMG) to Copenhagen. The flight was conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in daylight and Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC). There were 6 crew members and 189 passengers on board; no injuries were reported.
History of the Flight
After landing, the aircraft taxied toward parking stand A27. As it approached the final parking position, guided by the Docking Guidance System (DGS), the left-hand wing outer leading edge collided with a movable passenger boarding stair that had been left in a red-hatched prohibited parking area. The impact overturned the stair, and the aircraft continued to its designated parking position.
Damage to Aircraft
The collision caused substantial skin damage to a left-hand wing leading edge outer slat section and a small skin puncture of a left-hand wing lower skin fuel inspection panel. Overall, the aircraft damage was classified as substantial.
Other Damage
The passenger boarding stair overturned, resulting in damage to the stair and other ground equipment.
Local Regulations
Copenhagen Airport local regulations (section 4.1.5.5) prohibit placing or leaving vehicles and handling equipment in red-hatched areas, such as between aircraft stands and underneath movable passenger loading bridges.
Safety Investigation
The Danish Accident Investigation Board (AIB) conducted a preliminary safety investigation. In accordance with EC Regulation No. 996/2010 and the Danish Air Navigation Act, the AIB decided not to pursue further investigation and closed the case with this statement. The objective of the investigation was exclusively technical and operational, aimed at preventing future accidents and serious incidents, not at apportioning blame or liability.