What happened
On 21 July 2005, at approximately 16:55 UTC, a Boeing B737-800, registration EI-DAI, was undergoing loading procedures at London Stansted Airport. While the loading process was nearing completion, the aircraft commander noticed the aircraft rock unexpectedly.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the starboard wing's lower skin and leading edge had been struck. The impact was caused by a pair of passenger steps being towed by a ground agent's vehicle. The vehicle had moved outside of the designated safety zone intended to protect the aircraft's stand while positioning the steps at a neighboring aircraft's rear door.
The collision resulted in a puncture to the wing's lower skin and damage to the leading edge. There were no injuries to the 153 passengers or 6 crew members on board, and no injuries were reported among the ground personnel.
The investigation
The investigation was initiated following an accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators sought information from various authorities, including the Stansted Airport police and BAA, but no formal reports were available beyond photographic evidence of the damage.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the ground vehicle straying into the protected area surrounding the aircraft's stand.
- The damage to the Boeing B737-800 included a puncture through the lower skin and damage to the leading edge of the right wing.