Abstract
On 24 November 2013 at 09:46 UTC, a Boeing 757-200 operated by US Airways experienced a serious incident during pushback at Brussels Airport (EBBR). The aircraft began taxiing while the pushback procedure was still incomplete, resulting in a collision with the tow tug.
History of the Flight
Flight US751 to Philadelphia was scheduled to depart at 09:55 UTC. Pushback from stand 204 began at 09:41 UTC. The aircraft was towed by a single ramp operator from Swissport using a towbarless Goldhofer AST-3 L 140 tug. After towing to position 210, the ramp operator instructed the flight crew to set the brakes. The pilot then gave permission to disconnect the steering bypass pin and headset chord. As the ramp operator walked back to the tug, he heard the engines spooling up and saw the aircraft moving forward. He tried to signal the pilots, but the nose gear struck the tug's lifting mechanism. The tug was pushed forward several meters before the aircraft stopped abruptly. The ramp operator reconnected the headset and informed the flight crew. ATC was notified. Maintenance inspected the aircraft and confirmed it could taxi to a parking stand. Passengers and crew remained on board until 13:55 UTC when the flight was cancelled.
Personnel Statements
The ramp operator stated that after disconnection, he heard the engines accelerating and saw the aircraft driving forward. He signaled the crew but the aircraft struck the tug. He then informed the flight crew via headset.
Flight crew stated that while the first officer was starting engines, the captain communicated with the pushback driver. After engines were started, neither pilot saw the pushback or ground personnel. The captain requested taxi clearance from the tower. They felt a bump, then a larger bump, and the captain applied brakes. The ground crew reestablished communication to inform them of the collision. A third pilot on the jumpseat saw the ramp operator and tried to alert the captain.
Aircraft and Equipment
The aircraft was a Boeing 757-200 with two Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engines. The tug was a Goldhofer AST-3 L 140, a towbarless nose wheel lifter. The tug's height was 1.65 m, and it would become visible from the cockpit at about 6.5 m ahead of the nose.
Damage
No damage was identified initially in Brussels; the aircraft was cleared to ferry to Philadelphia. Subsequent inspection there revealed abrasions to the left hand outboard nose tire. The tug sustained severe damage and was taken out of service for repair. Some cabin crew fell over and were slightly injured; no other injuries were reported.
Cause
The investigation determined the cause to be starting taxi when pushback procedure not completed. Contributing factors included a lack of visible cues and not harmonised procedures.