What happened
On 1 April 2014, an Airbus A300B4-622R cargo aircraft, registration D-AEAH, arrived at Abu Dhabi International Airport from Lahore. The aircraft was carrying thirty cargo containers and pallets, with ten units scheduled for unloading at the airport. During the unloading process at approximately 13:48 UTC, the aircraft tipped onto its tail while the final pallet was being removed from the main deck. There were no injuries and no personnel were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
The investigation
The GCAA Air Accident Investigation Sector (AAIS) conducted an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the tail-tipping event. The investigation examined the aircraft's center of gravity (CG) through SABLE simulations, the unloading procedures, and the coordination between the loadmaster and the ramp teams. The investigators reviewed the loadplan, the movement of Unit Load Devices (ULDs) on the main deck, and the shift changes occurring during the operation. The investigation also looked into the training and supervision provided to the ground personnel involved.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the aircraft center of gravity exceeded the aft limit for stability on wheels.
- The unloading sequence did not follow the operator's standard operating procedures.
- As the aircraft's nose began to pitch upward, several unlocked ULDs on the main deck shifted toward the rear of the aircraft, further driving the CG beyond the permissible aft limit.
- The loadmaster provided inadequate instruction and supervision to the ramp teams.
- There was a failure to verify the physical lock positions of ULDs after they had been repositioned.
- A lack of clear responsibility definitions existed between the various organizations involved in the ground handling.
- The loadplan did not accurately reflect changes in the unloading destinations for certain containers.
- The loadmaster lacked specific training for this aircraft type and was not fully aware of all responsibilities required by company procedures.