Incident
On 7 March 2000 at 1740 UTC, an Airbus A320-211 (registration F-GHQK) arrived from Paris and parked at Stand G14 at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was carrying 64 passengers and 8 crew members. After engine shutdown and during passenger disembarkation, a ramp agent operating a mobile conveyor-belt vehicle (belt loader) approached the rear cargo hold.
Description
The driver initially stopped the vehicle approximately three to four feet from the aircraft and selected neutral gear while raising the belt to operating height. He then drove slowly forward but found the belt height too low. While the vehicle was still in gear, he attempted to raise the belt further when his foot slipped off the brake pedal. The vehicle moved forward, causing the belt loader's handrail to strike the rear freight hold door forcefully. The impact resulted in a six-inch gouge on the door. There were no injuries to crew or passengers.
Investigation
The handling agent's ramp services co-ordinator investigated the incident and concluded it was caused by operator error. The driver should have selected neutral gear and applied the vehicle handbrake before adjusting the belt elevation. The driver's failure to do so allowed the vehicle to move when his foot left the brake.
Outcome
The driver was retrained on the correct method of operating the belt loader. His upgrade training was deferred for at least three months.