What happened
On 14 May 2012, an Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZDN, was preparing for departure from Stand 53 at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The aircraft was configured for flight with the slides armed and the steps removed. Following the completion of flight deck checks, the pilot established headset contact with the ground crew, who confirmed that external checks were finished and the aircraft was ready for dispatch. Air Traffic Control provided pushback clearance, which was conditional upon the arrival of another aircraft at the adjacent Stand 52.
As the pushback commenced, the ground crew requested the release of the brakes. The maneuver proceeded for approximately 20 metres in a straight line before an impact occurred, causing the tug to stop. The commander immediately contacted the ground crew, who reported that the aircraft had struck an object. The aircraft was subsequently towed back to its original stand.
The investigation
Investigators determined that the collision involved a set of steps that had been positioned to service an incoming aircraft at Stand 52. To ensure the left wing of the arriving aircraft could clear the equipment, the steps had been moved backward. This repositioning placed the steps within the path of the departing G-EZDN during its pushback.
At the time of the impact, the aircraft's anti-collision beacons were active, and the ground handling agent's prior walk-around had indicated the area was clear. The investigation confirmed that the damage was localized to the right wing trailing edge and the right aileron. Following the event, the aircraft was deemed unserviceable due to the extent of the wing damage.
Findings
- The collision was caused by ground equipment encroaching into the pushback path of the departing aircraft.
- The steps intended for the aircraft at Stand 52 were moved to a position that obstructed the movement of G-EZDN.
- There were no injuries to the 6 crew members or 83 passengers on board.
Safety action
- The aircraft operator distributed a communication to its ground handling network emphasizing the necessity of conducting a thorough walk-around immediately before departure.
- Ground handling procedures were updated to prevent the parking of equipment in areas not specifically designated by floor markings.