Incident Overview
On 5 October 1998, an Airbus A321-200, registered G-MIDE, was involved in a ground incident at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft, powered by two International Aero V2533-A5 turbofan engines, had just completed a passenger flight and was parked on Stand N84. Following passenger disembarkation, a baggage belt loader was driven into the aircraft beneath the door of the bulk loading hold, resulting in a gouge to the fuselage skin.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The A321-200, manufactured in 1998, was being operated as a public transport passenger flight. The commander, aged 45, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 10,250 total flying hours, including 250 hours on type. No information was provided regarding the crew and passenger numbers or their status, as these fields were marked as not available.
Damage and Subsequent Actions
The collision caused minor damage to the fuselage skin, confined to a gouge in the area of the bulk loading hold door. The aircraft was immediately removed from service to undergo further engineering investigation. The incident was reported via an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot.
Conclusions
The source provides no explicit probable cause for the incident. The event is recorded as an inadvertent ground collision involving a baggage belt loader and a stationary aircraft.