Airbus A330-343 Turbine Jet Blast Incident at Frankfurt Airport

Incident Overview and Location On 19 September 2024, a serious incident occurred at Frankfurt Main Airport (EDDF) involving an Airbus A330-343. The aircraft, operated by a German airline and registered in Germany, landed on runway 07R at 08:38 local time. It taxied via taxiways M, M6, L1, N1, and N toward stand C13. During the turn into the stand, the crew briefly slowed the aircraft to near a stop due to traffic obstruction before accelerating again. ## Sequence of Events As the aircraft accelerated, the jet blast from engine number 1 dislodged a cargo sheet from a cargo trailer positioned at stand V130. The trailer was located in the northwest corner of the stand, adjacent to a taxiway. The unsecured cargo sheet was lifted by the turbine exhaust, traveled approximately 10 meters through the air, and came to rest about 22 meters southeast of the trailer. A 24-year-old ground worker, who was engaged in loading operations, sustained minor injuries from dust in the eyes and was treated on an outpatient basis. ## Aircraft and Personnel The Airbus A330-343, serial number 0896, was built in 2008 and powered by two Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 772B-60 engines. The aircraft was not damaged. The flight crew consisted of a 57-year-old captain with approximately 23,491 hours of experience and a 29-year-old first officer with approximately 3,416 hours. Both held valid ATPL(A) licenses and Class 1 medical certificates. ## Investigation and Findings The German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) concluded the investigation with a factual presentation, without analysis or conclusions. The BPU noted that the cargo trailer was not positioned on a designated parking area and the cargo sheet was not properly secured. Following the incident, the operator updated its taxi procedures to require synchronized engine power during taxiing, and the airport operator revised AIP-Germany guidelines to mandate minimum engine speeds and synchronized thrust during apron movements, particularly in curves.