What happened
On 29 July 1998, at approximately 18:55 UTC, a Boeing 737-448, registered EI-BXD, was positioned at Stand N86 at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was engaged in a public transport operation and was in the process of being prepared for departure. During this period, ground crew were loading baggage into the aircraft's hold.
While the loading process was underway, a baggage cart collided with the side of the aircraft. The impact occurred at a location forward of the front cargo hold door. The collision resulted in a puncture to the fuselage skin.
The investigation
Following the incident, the aircraft was removed from active service for inspection and repair. The investigation was initiated after the pilot submitted an aircraft accident report form. The examination focused on the physical damage sustained by the airframe and the circumstances surrounding the ground movement at the stand.