What happened
On 2 March 2000, an Airbus A320-231, registration G-EPFR, was prepared for a positioning flight from Manchester Airport to East Midlands Airport. Following routine maintenance, the aircraft was parked at Stand 67. After completing an external inspection, the commander consulted with the engineer regarding engine start procedures. The commander understood from this discussion that the engineer would ensure all ground equipment was clear before returning to the hangar.
Following the engineer's departure, the crew performed engine starts and, upon receiving ATC clearance, began taxiing. During the initial movement, the commander noted a slight bounce, which he initially attributed to a sticky brake. After landing at the destination, ATC notified the crew that the aircraft might have struck passenger steps during its departure from Manchester.
At the time of the incident, passenger steps had been positioned at the front left door. While ground agents observed the aircraft's anti-collision lights flashing, they assumed a see-off crew was already managing the departure. When a ramp worker arrived to retrieve the steps, they discovered damage to the equipment and subsequently removed chocks that had been left near the aircraft's parking position.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the communication between the flight crew and the ground staff, as well as the procedures for departures from stands. It was established that a misunderising occurred: the commander believed the engineer would clear the equipment, whereas the engineer believed the responsibility for clearing the area lay with a see-on crew.
Environmental conditions at the time were dark with heavy rain, and the stand was unlit. The investigation also reviewed company Flight Crew Notices (FCN) regarding 'Remote Stands'. While the existing notice did not mandate a start crew for such movements, the investigation highlighted that the commander remained responsible for verifying that the area was clear.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a misunderstanding between the commander and the engineer regarding the responsibility for clearing ground equipment.
- The commander did not attempt to contact handling agents to confirm the presence of a see-off crew before taxiing.
- The commander failed to ensure that all ground equipment, specifically the passenger steps, was clear prior to releasing the brakes.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the number 1 engine intake and the leading edge flaps and slats.