What happened
On 18 August 1998, at approximately 16:45 UTC, a Boeing 747-400, registered C-GAGN, was stationary at Stand M26 within London Heathrow Airport. While the aircraft was parked, a baggage loading vehicle collided with the airframe. The impact resulted in an eight-inch gouge in the fuselage skin, located in the area immediately adjacent to the cargo door.
The investigation
Following the incident, the investigation was initiated based on a report submitted by the Airport Duty Manager. The examination focused on the physical damage sustained by the aircraft and the circumstances of the ground vehicle's movement. The inspection confirmed that the collision had caused a significant puncture to the outer skin of the fuselage.