Incident
On 30 August 2003, a Boeing 747 aircraft, registration TF-ATN, was parked at Stand 204 at Manchester Airport. After completion of cargo loading, the forward cargo door was signalled to close. As the door approached its closed position, the lower forward corner struck a guide rail on the Hi-Loader platform. The impact deformed the door corner, causing the aircraft to be grounded pending repairs. The aircraft was engaged in a public transport (passenger) flight. No injuries to crew or passengers were reported.
Investigation
The handling agent conducted an investigation into the incident. It was determined that, contrary to published procedures, the Hi-Loader platform had not been placed in the fully down position before the cargo door closing operation commenced. The driver of the platform had more than five years of experience. As a result of the findings, the driver was removed from driving duties pending an investigation.
Aftermath
The aircraft remained grounded awaiting repairs to the damaged cargo door. Further details regarding the duration of the grounding or the specific repairs were not disclosed in the initial report.