What happened
On February 11, 2008, at Valencia Airport, a ground collision occurred between two commercial aircraft during taxiing operations. The first aircraft, an EC-KLL De Havilland Canada DHC-8-315Q, had landed from Torrejón and was stationary at the H5 runway holding point, awaiting guidance from a signalman to cross the runway.
Shortly after, a PH-DMQ Gulfstream G2 .200 arrived from Seville. While taxiing on taxiway N2 toward gate B, the right wingtip of the PH-DMQ struck the vertical stabilizer of the stationary EC-KLL. The impact resulted in minor damage to both aircraft. There were no injuries to the crew or the 28 passengers on the Gulfstream, and the 6 occupants of the Dash 8 were also unharmed.
The investigation
The investigation examined ATC communications, aerodrome configuration, and the physical dimensions of the aircraft involved. Investigators found that the air traffic controller had cleared the PH-DMQ to proceed to gate B, specifically exempting it from the requirement to stop at the intermediate holding point on taxiway N2.
Analysis of the taxiway layout revealed that the distance between the centerline of taxiway N2 and the holding point on H5 was approximately 2.7 meters, assuming both aircraft were perfectly positioned. The crew of the PH-DMQ reported that they believed there was sufficient clearance to pass, though the pilot in the left seat had no visibility of the EC-KLL due to the stationary aircraft's position on the right.
Furthermore, the investigation identified discrepancies between the airport's published aerodrome map and the actual ground configuration. It was noted that several intermediate holding points lacked necessary lighting and signage required by ICAO Annex 14 standards.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was an inadequate ATC clearance issued to the PH-DMQ, which allowed the aircraft to continue taxiing through the intersection instead of requiring a stop at the N2 holding point.
- The crew of the PH-DMQ operated under the incorrect assessment that there was enough space to pass the stationary aircraft.
- The airport's published ground movement maps contained erroneous information regarding the location and type of holding points.
- There were deficiencies in the airport's markings, signs, and lighting at the relevant holding points, which did not comply with ICAO guidelines.
Safety action
A safety recommendation (REC 30/09) was issued to AENA to update the aerodrome map for ground movements, review the markings and lighting for the H5 and N2 holding points, and evaluate alternative traffic flow solutions for the area.