What happened
On 27 September 2003, an Avro RJ85, registration OO-DJS, was completing a scheduled passenger flight at Manchester Airport. As the aircraft approached Stand 53, the commander slowed the ground speed to permit a vehicle to pass through the area. During this manoeuvring phase, the position of the sun created significant glare, making it difficult for the pilot to follow the lateral guidance system effectively.
While attempting to maintain the guidance line, the pilot focused his attention to the left, searching for a specific mirror to confirm the correct stopping position. During this period, the crew failed to identify that the stand was actually equipped with a parallax guidance system situated to the right of the taxi path. Consequently, the aircraft progressed too far forward, resulting in the number one engine cowl making contact with a jetty. The impact was light and went unnoticed by the crew inside the cabin.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the approach to the stand and the visibility conditions at the time. The inquiry established that the commander was experienced and well-acquainted with the airport layout and the specific requirements of the stand. Furthermore, the airport's official charts correctly identified that Stand 53 utilized a parallax guidance system.
Findings
- The primary cause of the contact was the crew's failure to identify the correct position of the parallax guidance system due to a focus on a different visual reference.
- High sun glare contributed to the difficulty in following the lateral guidance markings.
- The pilot's search for a left-hand mirror led to a lack of situational awareness regarding the right-hand guidance equipment.