What happened
On 28 September 2000, a Boeing 757-204, registration G-BYAT, was positioned at Stand 15 at London Gatwick Airport. The aircraft was prepared and awaiting pushback as part of a public transport operation. During this period, the boarding steps had been retracted from the rear door of the aircraft.
As the towing vehicle driver attempted to depart the stand, the vehicle moved underneath the tail section of the aircraft. During this maneuver, the top of the steps made contact with the left underside of the rear fuselage, resulting in major damage to the aircraft structure.
The investigation
Investigators examined the positioning of the boarding equipment and the movement of the towing vehicle. It was established that while the hand brake for the steps had been engaged, the drawbar pin had not been fully raised. Consequently, the steps remained physically connected to the towing vehicle as it moved away from the stand.