What happened
On 14 January 2012, an Airbus A380, registration VH-OQD, was positioned at Stand 301 within Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was undergoing preparations for a commercial passenger flight. During this period, a baggage tug operated by the ground handling company was maneuvering towards the aircraft's forward baggage hold door, towing four trailers loaded with baggage containers. During the approach, a partially loaded container situated on the third trolley struck the number three engine cowling. The impact was forceful enough to penetrate the engine cowling and caused damage to the container itself. There were no injuries to the 453 passengers or 2/5 crew members on board, and weather conditions at the time were reported as dry and clear.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot, alongside data provided by the airport authority and the ground handling company. The inquiry focused on the movement of the baggage tug and the positioning of the containers. The investigation established that the damage was caused by the vehicle driver's failure to adhere to established approach route procedures when maneuvering near the aircraft. While the investigation found no technical faults with the aircraft or the equipment involved, the ground handling company performed its own internal review of the incident.