Incident Details
On 10 January 2003, a Boeing 777-269ER, registration 9K-AOA, operated by an airline on a public transport flight, landed at London Heathrow Airport. The aircraft was directed to park on Stand M32, which was equipped with an Aircraft Positioning and Information System (APIS) to guide pilots to the correct stopping position. The stand also incorporated an airbridge for passenger boarding.
As the pilot approached the expected stopping position, the APIS countdown distance indications changed directly from 1.2 metres to "T FAR - STOP", indicating that the aircraft had overrun the correct position. The pilot immediately stopped the aircraft, shut down both engines, and passengers disembarked normally.
Subsequent inspection revealed that the leading edge of the left-hand engine cowling had struck the airbridge, causing a puncture. The airbridge floor was buckled and its auto-leveller damaged. The pilot noted that the airbridge's wheels were positioned one metre outside the normal operating area defined by a painted circle.
However, the dispatcher, who monitored the aircraft as it manoeuvred onto the stand, reported that before the collision, the airbridge wheels were within the marked circle. She also stated that the APIS indications counted down normally until the STOP indication, changing to "T FAR - STOP" by the time the aircraft engine struck the airbridge. An engineer standing by the normal stop position saw the STOP indication and then stepped clear of the aircraft's nosewheel as it continued past him. The aircraft eventually stopped four metres beyond the designated stop position.
The APIS records the operation of its guidance system along with any faults. Analysis of the data for this manoeuvre indicated no faults were recorded, and the normal stopping information was displayed, including the instruction to STOP.
After passenger disembarkation, a tug was used to push back the aircraft and reposition it onto the stand. During this manoeuvre, the APIS operated normally again, with recorded data showing that the STOP command occurred at the correct stop position.
The flight crew comprised 15 members, and there were 232 passengers on board. No injuries were reported. The damage was limited to the engine cowling, airbridge floor, and auto-leveller. The commander held an Airline Transport Pilots Licence, was 44 years old, and had 13,255 flying hours, including 1,256 hours on type.