Incident History
On 15 February 2015, a flydubai Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registration A6-FDC, was parked at Stand Q-05 of Dubai International Airport (OMDB), scheduled to operate flight FZ4359 to Bagram at 0528 local time. The handling agent dnata assigned two operators to operate two Mobile Conveyer Belts (MCBs) for loading. At approximately 0515 local time, the senior ground operator dropped off the MCB operators at their equipment locations. After performing equipment checks, each operator drove to stand Q-05.
One operator initially planned to position his MCB at the aft cargo door but noticed another MCB already there. He then stopped the MCB and removed his foot from the brake pedal to turn left toward the forward cargo door. The MCB moved forward and collided with the right engine, damaging the engine shroud, acoustic panel, and inlet cowl. No injuries resulted from the collision.
Aircraft Damage
The right engine sustained the following damage:
- Engine shroud: damage at the 6 o'clock position.
- Acoustic panel: tear at the 8 o'clock position.
- Right engine inlet cowl: one deep long scratch at the 8 o'clock position.
Personnel Information
The MCB operator joined dnata in 2008. He held a general driving license rated as 'light vehicle driver' since 2005. After joining dnata, he received training as a tractor operator and pick-up driver, and later worked as a tractor operator until 2010. He was then promoted to airside operator grade 3 and received additional training on passenger steps, hi-loader, transporter of cargo loading-unloading, and MCB operations.
Meteorological Conditions
Between 0500 and 0600 local time, wind speed was about 5 knots from varying directions between 150° and 170°, with CAVOK conditions and QNH 1011 mbar. The incident occurred during twilight, and weather was not a factor.
Organizational Information
flydubai holds an Air Operator Certificate for B737 aircraft and provided a Ground Handling Manual to dnata outlining ground handling procedures. dnata provided ground handling services including equipment supply and maintenance under contract with flydubai. At the time of the incident, dnata's airside procedures did not contain provisions for allocating tasks to operators of the same type of equipment servicing the same aircraft, nor instructions specifying which cargo compartment each MCB should service.
The MCB operator was scheduled for the night shift (2400 to 0800) and reported for duty at 2400 local time. The incident occurred at 0630 local time, in the last quarter of the duty period.
Additional Information
Dubai International Airport is certified under UAE CAR Part IX. The airport operates a Safety Management System including inspections and audits of ground handling agents. dnata used the Emirates Group's SMS and had a Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Determining Controls (HIRADC) procedure in place since 6 February 2015, but the register was not shared with Dubai Airports. The investigation scope was limited to events leading up to the occurrence; no in-depth analysis of non-contributing factors was undertaken.