What happened
On 1 May 2016, during dusk at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, a Boeing 737-80/00, registration PK-LJR, was taxiing toward Manado as flight LNI770. The aircraft had previously experienced delays, and the crew was operating under significant time pressure to reach their destination before the Manado airport operating hours expired.
As the Boeing 737-800 pushed back from stand A33, the pilot noted an Airbus A330, registration PK-LEF, pushing back from a nearby stand and heading toward the same taxiway. While taxiing, the pilot of PK-LJR attempted to deviate to the right of the taxi guideline to maintain separation from the stationary and slow-moving Airbus. However, during this maneuver, the aircraft's left winglet struck the right wing of the Airbus A330. The impact caused the tip of the PK-LJR winglet to be severed and left a dent and scratch on the lower surface of the PK-LEF wing. Both flights were subsequently cancelled, and no injuries were reported.
The investigation
The KNKT investigation focused on the movement of both aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. Investigators found that the flight crew of PK-LJR had requested an expedited preparation to compensate for earlier delays. Although the ground controller had offered an alternative taxi route to avoid the Airbus A330, the pilot of the Boeing 737-800 accepted the original route, likely due to the urgency of the departure.
Analysis of the damage revealed that the wings overlapped by approximately two meters, indicating a significant misjudgment of distance. The investigation also noted that the lack of ground assistance in the narrow taxi area and the dusk lighting conditions contributed to the difficulty in maintaining safe separation.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was time pressure to reach the destination before the end of operating hours, which created a rushed environment and led to the pilot's misjudgment of separation.
- The pilot of PK-LJR deviated from the taxi guideline to avoid the other aircraft but failed to maintain adequate clearance.
- The dusk lighting conditions made it harder to accurately judge the distance between the two wings.
- No ground personnel were providing assistance to the pilot during the taxi through the narrow area.
Safety action
Following the incident, the airline implemented several internal measures, including prohibiting certain taxi routes through narrow apron areas when other aircraft are pushing back. The airline also established new procedures for the operations control center to better manage delays and coordinate with airport authorities regarding operating hour extensions to prevent crews from operating under extreme time pressure.