What happened
On 10 March 1999, at approximately 12:35 UTC, a Boeing 737-436, registration G-DOCD, was involved in a ground incident at London Heathrow Airport during a public transport operation. While the aircraft was being serviced, a belt baggage loader had been placed at the rear cargo hold. During the process of manoeuvring the loader into position, a vehicle struck the equipment.
This impact caused the loader to hit the aircraft's fuselage skin. The contact resulted in minor damage to the area located just below the cargo door sill.
The investigation
The investigation, based on a report submitted by the operator, focused on the mechanics of the collision and the resulting structural impact. It was established that the belt loader was correctly positioned at the time of the incident, but the movement of the manoeuvring vehicle led to the strike.
Following the event, the damaged section of the fuselage skin was inspected. The assessment determined that the damage was limited to the skin and did not compromise the immediate structural integrity of the aircraft. As a result, the aircraft was permitted to return to service, provided that regular inspections are conducted to monitor the area until a permanent repair can be implemented.