Incident Overview
Two aircraft, a Boeing 777-240(LR) (registration AP-BGY) and a DHC-8-402 Dash 8 (registration G-JEDR), were preparing to depart from Manchester Airport on 15 February 2007. Both were conducting scheduled passenger flights. The DHC-8 had taxied to Holding Position JA1 and stopped on the line. The Boeing 777 was cleared by Ground Movement Control (GMC) to taxi along Taxiway Juliet to Holding Position J1, which required passing behind the DHC-8. As the B777 passed behind the stationary DHC-8, its right wingtip struck the rudder of the DHC-8. The B777 crew felt a slight motion, which the commander attributed to a gust of wind. The DHC-8 crew felt a bump through the rudder pedals and airframe. After discussing the possibility of a collision, the DHC-8 crew contacted ATC, who confirmed the event.
Aircraft and Damage
Examination of the B777 revealed minor scratches on its right wingtip and outboard leading edge; these did not require repair. The DHC-8's rudder was damaged along its trailing edge over a length of about 80 cm, bent at a right angle. The damage was not repairable, and the rudder was replaced. Neither aircraft reported any injuries to crew or passengers.
Flight Data and Simulation
Flight Data Recorders (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR) from both aircraft were successfully replayed. The FDR data showed that as the B777 approached to about 100 meters from the DHC-8, it decelerated. At approximately 60 meters, it began a gradual left turn, reducing speed to about 6 knots. The collision occurred during this turn. A simulation using accurate survey data indicated that if the DHC-8 had been parked precisely on the stop line and centerline, and the B777 had taxied along the taxiway centerline, the clearance between the B777's right wingtip and the DHC-8's rudder would have been 2.0 meters. The clearance to the DHC-8's left elevator was 1.4 meters. The B777 commander had elected to deviate one to two meters left of the taxiway centerline to increase separation.
ATC Communication
The GMC controller had cautioned the B777 crew about the presence of the DHC-8 ahead. The B777 co-pilot read back the instruction to hold at J1 and contacted the Tower controller, who instructed them to hold at J1 when able. The B777 crew acknowledged. After the collision, ATC advised the B777 to hold position, and both aircraft returned to their parking stands for inspection. The weather at the time was benign, with good visibility and a light southerly wind.