What happened
On 12 July 2022, a Royal Jet Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737-700, registration A6-AIN, landed at Abu Dhabi International Airport after arriving from Russia. Following landing, the flight crew was instructed to taxi to the General Aviation Apron (ADA Apron) via taxiway Echo 15, following green centerline lights.
While taxiing toward the apron, the aircraft approached a parked Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737-700, registration A6-RJV, which was temporarily stationed at a VIP stand for maintenance. As the taxiing aircraft moved behind the parked plane, its right wingtip struck the left-hand horizontal stabilizer tip of A6-RJV. The collision resulted in minor surface scratches and paint damage to the winglet of A6-AIN, while the horizontal stabilizer of A6-RJV sustained a dent and structural deformation that required specialized repair.
The investigation
An investigation by the GCAA AAIS examined the movements of the aircraft, the ground personnel, and the airport infrastructure. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and statements from the flight crew and ground staff. The inquiry focused on the positioning of the parked aircraft, the effectiveness of the marshalling process, and the adequacy of the operator's risk assessments regarding apron congestion.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the close proximity of the aircraft, resulting from A6-RJV being parked approximately two meters short of the designated nose wheel stop line, which left its tail protruding into the taxilane area.
- The taxiing aircraft, A6-AIN, drifted from the taxilane centerline during its approach.
- The arrival marshalling process was ineffective; the wingman's attempt to alert the crew was delayed and failed to prevent the impact.
- Communication between the signalman, the wingman, and the flight crew was insufficient to detect the hazard in time.
- The operator's risk assessment for moving operations to Abu Dhabi International Airport did not sufficiently account for ground collision hazards in congested apron areas.
- Faded ground markings on the ADA Apron contributed to the difficulty in maintaining proper positioning and alignment.
Safety action
Following the incident, Royal Jet implemented several safety measures, including restricting the use of specific stands for long-term parking of large aircraft and issuing a technical notice to pilots to maintain lower taxi speeds and increased vigilance regarding wingtip clearance. Abu Dhabi Airports refurbished the apron markings and updated concession agreements to enhance oversight of third-party service providers. The GCAA issued recommendations for improved regulatory oversight regarding aerodrome operator governance of third-party entities.