What happened
On 27 March 1998, at approximately 09:35 UTC, an Airbus A320-211, registration G-BUSG, was stationary at Stand C39 within London Heathrow Airport. While the aircraft was parked, a catering truck was performing manoeuvres in the vicinity of the aircraft. During this process, the driver of the truck attempted to navigate around various pieces of ground equipment situated near the aircraft. In the course of these manoeuvres, the vehicle made contact with the lower section of the aircraft's right wingtip fence.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and additional information provided by the aircraft operator. The inquiry focused on the movements of the ground vehicle and the positioning of surrounding equipment at the time of the impact. Following the incident, engineering personnel inspected the damage and subsequently removed the affected wingtip fence to facilitate repairs.
Findings
- The collision occurred while the Airbus A320-211 was parked at a terminal stand.
- The damage was limited to minor damage on the right wingtip fence.
- The primary cause of the contact was the driver of the catering truck manoeuvring to avoid other ground equipment located near the aircraft.