What happened
On April 13, 2012, at Seville Airport (LEZL), two Boeing 737-8AS aircraft operated by Ryanair were involved in a ground collision. The first aircraft, registration EI-EBA, was prepared for a scheduled flight to Gran Canaria with 150 passengers on board. The second aircraft, registration EI-EVC, was parked at an adjacent stand, undergoing boarding for a flight to Tenerife-South with 143 passengers.
After completing the before-taxi checklist and receiving clearance from the control tower, the pilot of EI-EBA began taxiing from parking stand R10 toward taxiway G-8. During the maneuver, the aircraft departed the designated turning line before completing the turn. As a result, the left winglet of EI-EBA struck the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator of the stationary EI-EVC. The impact caused minor damage to both aircraft, preventing either from proceeding with their scheduled departures. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, and all occupants were disembarked normally.
The investigation
The investigation examined flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data from EI-EBA. The FDR revealed a significant change in heading during the maneuver, confirming that the aircraft's path deviated from the turning line. The CVR recorded the execution of standard checklists and the pilot's confirmation of a "clear right" check.
Investigators also interviewed the ramp coordinator assisting the taxiing aircraft. The coordinator stated that while monitoring the wingtip, the aircraft suddenly moved off the line. Although the coordinator attempted to signal the pilot, the aircraft did not stop immediately. The captain of EI-EBA testified that he interpreted a signal from the coordinator as a confirmation that the path was clear, which led to the collision.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that EI-EBA did not follow the turning line all the way out of parking stand R10.
- The ramp coordinator's response to the sudden deviation of the aircraft could be improved, potentially due to having only 30 days of experience.
- Visual conditions on the apron and the dimensions of the parking stands were adequate for safe operations.
- Both aircraft and their respective flight crews were fully qualified and compliant with all airworthiness and licensing requirements.