Incident Overview
On 25 November 1999 at 1045 UTC, a Boeing 757-236 (registration G-BIKM) operated by an airline on a public transport flight was taxiing at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was positioned abeam Stand S2, where the engines were shut down and the parking brake applied.
Sequence of Events
After the aircraft came to a stop, communication was established with the ground engineer. A tug was observed reversing towards the aircraft with the tow bar attached. A 'clunk' was heard, and the aircraft jolted as the tow bar made contact with the nose landing gear. The impact caused a minor injury to the tug driver. An ambulance was called, and the driver was later taken to hospital as a precautionary measure. Several other vehicles attended the scene, including the Police, Airport Fire Service, and the airline's engineering organisation.
Damage and Aftermath
Inspection revealed damage to one of the nosewheel tyres. The aircraft was subsequently towed to Stand S1 by another tug, where the nosewheel was replaced. The crew and passengers were uninjured; the only injury was the minor injury to the ground staff member.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Boeing 757-236, manufactured in 1983, powered by two Rolls-Royce RB211-535C-37 turbofan engines. The commander held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence, was 47 years old, and had accumulated 11,500 total flying hours, including 1,000 hours on type. The flight had 9 crew and 147 passengers on board.
Investigation
The incident was reported via an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot. The AAIB classified it as Category 1.1. No further analysis or probable cause was stated in the source.