What happened
On 13 May 2003, at approximately 15:00 UTC, an Embraer EMB-145EP, registration G-ERJA, was undergoing a scheduled pushback from Stand 54L at Manchester Airport. The aircraft was operating a passenger flight with 37 passengers and 4 crew members on board.
Prior to the movement, the flight crew completed all necessary pre-start checks. This included a verification by the ground crew that the area around the aircraft was clear of equipment and obstructions. Following clearance from Air Traffic Control, the pushback commenced. The ground crew member, communicating with the cockpit via headset, had confirmed that no obstructions were visible beneath the aircraft.
During the maneuver, after the aircraft had traveled roughly 15 metres, the movement was suddenly interrupted by an abrupt stop. The towbar sheared during the impact, and the ground crew notified the commander that the aircraft had struck a parked cargo van. A subsequent inspection of the aircraft identified a dent in the number 2 engine cowl, which required replacement.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the positioning of the vehicle and the adherence to ground safety protocols. It was determined that the cargo van had been stationary at the adjacent stand for approximately three to four minutes while awaiting an inbound flight. The investigation established that the driver of the van had entered the parking position from the rear of the stand, which was a departure from the established airport procedures.
Findings
- The collision occurred because the cargo van parked in a position contrary to published procedures.
- The ground crew's initial check had not identified the vehicle as an obstruction.
- There were no injuries to the 37 passengers or 4 crew members, and no injuries were sustained by the ground personnel.
Safety action
Following the incident, the Manchester Airport Authority reissued Safety Instruction 02/2000 to reinforce correct procedures. Additionally, the operator of the cargo van conducted a safety briefing to reconfirm proper working practices to their staff.