Synopsis
On 20 November 2019, at approximately 10:52 UTC, a De Havilland Canada DHC-8-402, registered 7T-VCO and operated by Tassili Airlines, was involved in a serious incident at Biskra-Mohamed Kheider Airport, Algeria. The aircraft was preparing to operate a charter flight for the oil company SONATRACH from Biskra to Bejaia Soummam. On board were 46 persons: the commander, a co-pilot, two cabin crew members, and 42 passengers, including one Tassili Airlines technician.
Damage
The incident resulted in damage to engine number 2, the propeller, the underside of the right wing, the fuselage, and the right main landing gear. Internally, the last two window panels on the right side were damaged. Additionally, a tractor and a generator on the ground were damaged. As a consequence, parking positions 02 and 03 at the airport were closed, and the aircraft was immobilized.
Sequence of Events
The report describes that the incident occurred during the aircraft's departure from the parking position. The exact sequence is derived from flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) information, as well as witness testimonies from ground personnel, the flight crew, and air traffic control. The investigation focused on the non-application of standard parking departure procedures and deficiencies in crew resource management.
Findings
The investigation established that the immediate cause of the incident was the non-application of parking departure procedures. Underlying factors included insufficient crew resource management, which contributed to the failure to follow established protocols.
Probable Cause
The probable causes of the incident, as stated in the official report, are: the non-application of parking departure procedures (immediate causes) and insufficient crew resource management (underlying factors).