Accident Details
At 1235 UTC on 10 March 1999, a belt baggage loader positioned at the rear cargo hold of a Boeing 737-436 was struck by a vehicle manoeuvring it into the hold. The impact caused the loader to contact the fuselage skin, damaging the area beneath the sill of the cargo door.
Aircraft
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-436, registered G-DOCD, manufactured in 1991. It was powered by two CFM56-3C1 turbofan engines. The flight was a public transport operation at London Heathrow Airport. The number of crew and passengers on board was not known. No crew or passengers sustained injuries.
Aftermath
Following an inspection of the damaged area, the aircraft was returned to service with a requirement for regular inspections until a permanent repair could be completed. The damage to the fuselage skin was classified as minor.