Incident Overview
On 27 March 1999 at 1700 hours UTC, a Boeing 747-436 (registration G-BNLL) was being loaded at London Heathrow Airport in preparation for departure. During the loading process, a baggage cart collided with the inboard cowling of the No 1 engine. The collision resulted in a split approximately 18 inches long in the cowling skin. The baggage cart sustained a small dent on the top right corner of its cab.
Damage and Circumstances
The aircraft, a four-engine Boeing 747-436 powered by Rolls-Royce RB211-524G2-19 turbofan engines, suffered minor damage limited to the No 1 engine cowling. No injuries were reported among crew or passengers. The ramp conditions were dry, and the weather was sunny. There were no reported unserviceabilities with the baggage cart that could have contributed to the incident.
Investigation Findings
A preliminary investigation conducted by the Airport Authority revealed that the driver of the baggage cart was aware of the instruction not to drive between the engines of an aircraft. Despite this knowledge, the driver chose to drive between the engines in an effort to deliver the last few bags to hold 5 before it was closed for departure. This action led directly to the collision with the engine cowling. The vehicle was examined and found to have no defects that would have contributed to the incident.