Fuselage damage to Airbus A320 during baggage unloading in Glasgow

Casualties unknown • Glasgow Airport, GB

An Airbus A320-211 sustained a puncture to its fuselage skin after being struck by a pallet unloading vehicle at Glasgow.

What happened

On 18 September 2001, an Airbus A320-211, registration G-BUSJ, was involved in a ground incident at Glasgow during a public transport flight. While baggage was being unloaded from the aircraft, a vehicle used for unloading pallets collided with the airframe. The impact resulted in a puncture to the aircraft skin, specifically located just behind the aft cargo door.

There were no injuries to the 100 passengers or the 7 crew members on board at the time of the incident. The damage was limited to the puncture of the fuselage skin.

The investigation

Following the collision, investigators performed both mechanical and electrical inspections of the pallet loader involved in the incident. The examination of the ground equipment concluded that there were no identifiable defects found within the machinery.

Probable cause

A pallet unloading vehicle collided with the aircraft fuselage during baggage handling operations, causing a puncture to the skin.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-09-18 AIRBUS A320-211 accident near Glasgow Airport, GB?

An Airbus A320-211 sustained a puncture to its fuselage skin after being struck by a pallet unloading vehicle at Glasgow.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-09-18 involved a AIRBUS A320-211, registration G-BUSJ, at Glasgow Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A pallet unloading vehicle collided with the aircraft fuselage during baggage handling operations, causing a puncture to the skin.

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