Introduction
On 1 May 2016, two Lion Air aircraft collided on the ground at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta. The aircraft involved were a Boeing 737-800, registered PK-LJR, operating as flight LNI770, and an Airbus A330, registered PK-LEF, operating as flight LNI026. Neither aircraft had any reported injuries.
History of the Flight
LNI770 was scheduled to fly from Jakarta to Manado. The crew had experienced a delay of approximately one hour and 30 minutes on the earlier sector due to late aircraft arrival. After returning from Pangkal Pinang, the crew prepared for the Manado flight. The pilot in command was aware that Manado airport's operating hours ended at 1500 UTC and felt time pressure to depart promptly. Flight documentation was received late.
At 1150 UTC, LNI770 pushed back from parking stand A33, heading toward taxiway SC3. The crew noted that an Airbus A330 (LNI026) was also pushing back from stand K13 and heading to the same taxiway. At 1151 UTC, LNI026 completed its pushback and began engine start. Weather conditions were fine with visibility of nine kilometers.
At 1154 UTC, LNI770 requested taxi clearance. The ground controller cleared LNI770 to taxi via the main apron Alpha to taxiway SCX and then to SP2. During taxi near LNI026, the pilot of LNI770 deviated to the right of the taxi guideline to avoid collision. As the LNI770 aircraft came abeam LNI026, the crew felt shaking and heard an unusual sound. Simultaneously, the LNI026 crew felt shaking and checked engine parameters, which were normal. They observed LNI770 taxiing very close on the right side.
The LNI026 pilot signaled ground personnel to reconnect the ground communication device. After reconnection, ground personnel informed that the right wing of LNI026 had collided with LNI770. The LNI026 pilot then informed the ground controller. At 1159 UTC, the ground controller instructed LNI770 to stop taxiing. Both aircraft returned to parking stands and canceled their flights.
Damage
The left winglet of LNI770 was cut off. The lower right wing surface of LNI026 sustained a dent and scratch approximately two meters from the wingtip.
Personnel
Both flight crews held valid licenses and medical certificates. The pilots were type-rated and current on their respective aircraft.
Contributing Factors
The investigation identified that time pressure to arrive at the destination before the end of operating hours led to a rushed situation. This resulted in misjudgment of separation during taxi, causing the wingtips to collide.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
Following the investigation, the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT) issued safety recommendations to PT. Lion Mentari Airlines.