What happened
On 12 April 2005, a Boeing 767-200, registration EI-DBW, arrived at London Gatwick Airport following a scheduled passenger flight from Moscow. The aircraft was intended to park at Stand 32M. Prior to arrival, ground equipment, specifically a set of motorised passenger steps, had been positioned in the area between stands, leaving sufficient clearance for the aircraft to reach its assigned position.
As the aircraft approached the terminal, the pilot taxied onto Stand 32L instead of the intended Stand 32M. Upon observing this deviation, a member of the ground support team updated the stand parking aids to reflect the new position at 32L, assuming the initial setup had been erroneous. As the aircraft proceeded toward the new stand, the left wing overhung the area where the motorised steps were stationed. Although the driver of the steps attempted to signal the pilot to stop, these efforts were unsuccessful. Consequently, the leading edge of the aircraft's left wing struck the handrail of the motorised steps, resulting in damage to both the aircraft and the ground equipment. There were no injuries to the 10 crew members or 224 passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of ground movements and the communication between ground staff and the flight crew. Investigators examined the configuration of the parking aids and the positioning of the motorised steps. It was established that while the aircraft had deviated from its planned stand, the ground staff's decision to update the parking aids to 32L facilitated the aircraft's continued movement toward the obstacle. The investigation also reviewed the use of emergency signaling equipment, specifically the stand stop buttons designed to halt aircraft movement.
Findings
- The aircraft taxied onto the incorrect parking stand (32L instead of 32M).
- Ground staff updated the parking aids to 32L, which provided the pilot with guidance toward the obstacle.
- The driver of the motorised steps attempted to alert the pilot but failed to attract the pilot's attention.
- The stop button, intended for immediate emergency signaling, was not used by ground staff during the incident.
- The collision resulted in damage to the left wing leading edge and the motorised steps.