What happened
On April 30, 2022, at approximately 23:2cap UTC, a Boeing 737-8EH, registration PR-GUQ, operated by GOL Linhas Aéreas, was taxiing at Viracopos Airport (SBKP) in Campinas, Brazil. The flight had arrived from Rio de Janeiro (SBRJ) carrying 46 passengers and 6 crew members.
Following landing on runway 15, the crew was instructed by ground control to taxi via taxiways C, B, G, K1, and N1 toward parking position 103. While navigating the intersection of taxiways G and K1, the aircraft deviated from the authorized path. The pilot initiated a right-hand turn that led the aircraft into the parking area where an Embraer 190-200 LR, registration PR-AYN, was correctly parked at position 107. The left winglet of the PR-GUQ struck the APU exhaust duct and the horizontal stabilizer of the PR-AYN. Both aircraft sustained minor damage, and all 52 occupants of the Boeing 737 remained uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation confirmed that all crew members held valid medical certificates and type ratings, and the aircraft was airworthy and within weight and balance limits. Air traffic control communications were found to be clear, and the crew had correctly read back all instructions. The airport's horizontal and vertical markings were fully operational and did not contribute to the event.
Investigators examined cockpit recordings and interviewed the crew. The pilot in command (PIC) noted that the intersection markings between the taxiway and the apron were not clearly visible to him, leading to spatial disorientation. The pilot also noted that previous flight segments that day had involved higher workloads due to technical issues and weather, which may have influenced his state of alertness. The second in command (SIC) reported attempting to alert the PIC to the proximity of the parked aircraft, but the maneuver intended to avoid an obstacle actually facilitated the collision.
Findings
- Reduced situational awareness due to a lapse in attention during the final stage of the flight day.
- Ineffective cockpit coordination regarding the use of available human resources to monitor the taxi path.
- A deviation from the authorized taxi route caused the aircraft to enter the parking area of the stationary aircraft.