What happened
On December 14, 2011, a Bombardier DHC8-300 was taxiing at Berlin-Tegel Airport for an IFR flight to Friedrichshafen. While proceeding on taxiway PW near parking position 16, the flight crew was forced to execute a heavy braking maneuver to avoid a collision with a vehicle.
At approximately 20:17 local time, a silver Opel Corsa crossed the taxiway from the left. The aircraft, traveling at approximately 16 knots, applied brakes with a deceleration of about -5 m/s² to avoid the vehicle, eventually coming to a halt five to ten meters in front of the car. During this sudden deceleration, a flight attendant, who was standing in the aisle to provide nasal drops to a passenger, was thrown toward the cockpit. The crew member struck the cockpit door or wardrobe and fell to the floor, resulting in one person seriously injured.
The investigation
The BFU investigation examined flight recorder data, ground radar, and witness statements from the flight crew, a nearby truck driver, and officers from the Federal Police. The investigation established that the vehicle, which had permission to access the airfield, crossed the taxiway despite a stop sign being present on the roadway. Witnesses noted that the aircraft was clearly visible due to its taxi lights and the airfield lighting, and that visibility was good despite the darkness.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure of the vehicle driver to adhere to airfield right-of-way regulations, which necessitated the emergency braking of the aircraft.
- A contributing factor was that the flight attendant was not seated and belted during the period of deceleration. While the crew member was performing a task for a passenger, this specific activity did not qualify as a safety-critical duty that would permit movement in the cabin during taxiing according to the company's Cabin Attendant Manual.
- The vehicle driver crossed the taxiway despite the presence of an approaching aircraft, either through oversight or a deliberate decision to proceed.