Ground Service Incident Causes Damage to Airbus A320 in Córdoba

Casualties unknown • Aeropuerto Ingeniero Taravella - Córdoba (Saco) (Cordoba), AR

A self-propelled passenger stair vehicle struck the fuselage of an Airbus A320 during ground operations at Córdoba International Airport.

What happened

On January 10, 2023, at approximately 01:20 UTC, an Airbus A320-232, registration LV-IVN, was parked at position 01 of the Ing. Ambrosio Taravella International Airport in Córdoba, Argentina. The aircraft, operated by JetSmart Airlines S.A., was prepared for departure with passengers already on board.

During ground servicing, a ground crew member from Intercargo was attempting to retract the passenger stairs located at the rear left door. During this maneuver, the stair unit collided with the aircraft's fuselage, resulting in minor damage to the pressurized skin of the aircraft.

Probable cause

The operator mistakenly engaged the extension command instead of the stabilizer retraction command due to poorly labeled and difficult-to-read controls on the ground equipment.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2023-01-10 AIRBUS A-320 accident near Aeropuerto Ingeniero Taravella - Córdoba (Saco) (Cordoba), AR?

A self-propelled passenger stair vehicle struck the fuselage of an Airbus A320 during ground operations at Córdoba International Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2023-01-10 involved a AIRBUS A-320, registration LV-IVN, operated by Aviación Comercial, at Aeropuerto Ingeniero Taravella - Córdoba (Saco) (Cordoba), AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The operator mistakenly engaged the extension command instead of the stabilizer retraction command due to poorly labeled and difficult-to-read controls on the ground equipment.

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