Incident Description
On 21 July 2005 at 1655 UTC, a Boeing 737-800 registered as EI-DAI was being loaded at London Stansted Airport when the commander felt the aircraft rock. Upon investigation, he discovered that the outboard section of the starboard wing had been struck by a pair of steps being towed by a ground agent's vehicle. The steps were being positioned onto the rear door of an aircraft on a neighboring stand, and the towing vehicle had strayed into the protective box marked around EI-DAI's stand, which was intended to prevent such incidents.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 manufactured in 2003, was powered by two CFM 56-7B24 turbofan engines. It was operating a public transport passenger flight with 6 crew members and 153 passengers on board. The commander, aged 40, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 9,600 flying hours, including 4,000 hours on type. His recent flying experience included 250 hours in the last 90 days and 80 hours in the last 28 days. No injuries were sustained by any persons on board.
Damage
The impact punctured the right wing leading edge and lower skin. The damage included a section where the skin was completely penetrated.
Investigation Note
Investigation reports were sought from BAA, Stansted Airport police, and the handling agents, but none were able to provide more than photographs of the aircraft damage. Data recently made available to the Flight Safety Foundation indicated that ramp damage is costing airlines and corporate aviation nearly $10 billion annually.