What happened
On 9 July 2002, a BAe.146-200, registration G-JEAX, was parked at Heathrow Terminal 2, Stand F11, undergoing preparations for a scheduled flight to Toulouse. During this period, a Charlett 810 electric baggage truck was being used to deliver transfer bags to the aircraft. As the driver attempted to position the vehicle under the wing to shield the luggage from rain, the truck began to slide while the driver applied the brakes. The upper right corner of the vehicle struck the aircraft's fuselage just ahead of the forward cargo door. The impact resulted in no injuries to the five crew members on board, but caused a 4-inch wide gash in the fuselage skin and internal structural distortion.
The investigation
Investigators examined the site and the vehicle, noting that the ramp area around the stand was contaminated with oil and covered in standing water following heavy rainfall. Inspections of the baggage truck revealed that the front tyres were excessively worn, with minimal tread remaining and damage to the outer edges. The investigation also looked into the driver's recent work history, noting that the driver had completed 14 consecutive days of work, including multiple double shifts, prior to a single day of rest. Furthermore, the investigation found that the vehicle's proximity to the aircraft violated the servicing company's internal safety rule, which prohibits vehicles from approaching within six feet of an aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the reduced braking and traction capability of the baggage truck, caused by the combination of worn tyres and a slippery, oil-contaminated ramp surface.
- The vehicle was operated in violation of the company's safety protocol regarding minimum separation distances from aircraft.
- The driver's ability to react or control the vehicle may have been compromised by potential fatigue following an extended period of intensive work shifts.
Safety action
Following the incident, the servicing company initiated a training and communication campaign to reinforce the six-foot separation rule and safe vehicle operation near aircraft. The company also began reviewing its internal procedures regarding working hours, approach protocols during baggage delivery, and operations during inclement weather.