Introduction
On 19 February 1998, a Boeing 737-59D (registration G-BVKA) was involved in a ground incident at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was being pushed back from Stand B21 when the tug lost traction, causing the driver's cab to strike the radome. The incident occurred at 0800 UTC.
Incident Details
The pushback was progressing normally until the tug driver maneuvered to straighten the aircraft on the taxiway centreline. At that point, the tug lost traction, and the top of the driver's cab contacted the right side of the aircraft's radome. The radome sustained damage. No injuries were reported among the 7 crew and 37 passengers on board.
The tug driver was under training; his mentor assessed that the pushback—the second of the day—had been conducted at a safe speed and was well controlled. The aircraft commander confirmed that the pushback appeared normal up to the moment of impact. He noted that both engines of G-BVKA were running and that the ramp surface may have been slightly greasy due to overnight rain following a prolonged dry period.
Investigation Findings
An investigation was conducted by the ramp training and safety manager. It concluded that a combination of factors contributed to the incident: greasy surface conditions, both aircraft engines operating, and a slight dip in the taxiway. The report did not attribute a single probable cause.
Actions Taken
Following the investigation, a 'Ramp Alert' was issued to highlight the incident. The alert advised drivers and headset operators to liaise closely with aircraft commanders when surface conditions are slippery.