Introduction
On 24 August 2024, at 18:50, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registration SU-GEB, operating as flight MSR257, was involved in a ground accident at gate G5B. The aircraft sustained damage to its right winglet, position light assembly, anti-collision light assembly, and light base. The Egyptian Aircraft Accident Investigation Directorate (EAID) initiated an investigation.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800. The pilot in command held an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) and had accumulated 7,277 total flight hours, all on the B737-800. The second in command held a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with 492 total flight hours, all on the B737-800. Both pilots had valid proficiency checks and medical certificates.
Accident Circumstances
Flight MSR257 was arriving at gate G5B. Ground control communicated with the flight crew on frequency 120.4 MHz, issuing instructions for start, pushback, taxi, and reposition. A follow-me vehicle guided the aircraft to the gate. The Visual Docking Guidance System was used during the taxi and parking procedure. During the maneuver, the aircraft's right winglet and associated light assemblies struck an object, resulting in damage.
Damage
The damage was confined to the right-hand side (RHS) winglet, the position light assembly, the anti-collision light assembly, and the light base. No other damage was reported.
Investigation
The Egyptian Aircraft Accident Investigation Directorate is conducting the investigation in accordance with ICAO Annex 13. The investigation will examine all aspects of the incident, including ground control procedures, follow-me operations, and the use of the visual docking guidance system.