Incident
On 2 September 1999, at approximately 1100 UTC, a Boeing 747-SP, registration YK-AHA, was stationary on Stand G12 at London Heathrow Airport. Passengers were boarding when the Flight Engineer, during an external inspection, noticed a vertical dent measuring 29 cm on the outboard side of the No 4 engine exhaust tail cone.
Details
The aircraft, manufactured in 1976, was powered by four JT-9D turbofan engines. It was operating a scheduled passenger flight with 13 crew and 110 passengers on board. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Following the discovery, the aircraft was inspected and repaired by a maintenance organisation before being returned to service.
Cause
The damage occurred when a loading vehicle reversed into the exhaust cone while approaching the aft cargo bay door. The vehicle was being reversed without the aid of an external guide.