Incident Details
On 4 March 2011, at approximately 1235 UTC, a Learjet 35 (registration N860S, serial number 35-086, manufactured 1976) was taxiing from the Executive Jet Centre at Bermuda Airport. The aircraft, powered by two Garrett TFE 731 turbofan engines, was operating a non-revenue commercial air transport flight with two crew and two passengers on board. While taxiing east on Apron 2, about 100 feet from the Executive Jet Centre and prior to receiving taxi clearance, the aircraft came into contact with an unoccupied airside vehicle. The vehicle, owned and operated by the ground handling agency, was parked in front of the Executive Jet Centre. The crew did not feel any impact and were unaware of the collision until Air Traffic Control advised them when they called for taxi clearance to the active runway. Initially, ATC reported that the aircraft had hit two vehicles; however, it was later determined that only one vehicle was struck.
Damage
The aircraft sustained paint abrasion on the left tip tank and navigation light lens, as well as substantial damage to the left winglet. Specifically, the left winglet was deformed, the navigation light lens was damaged, and the left tip tank was scraped. The vehicle received a broken driver's side brake light lens and assembly, with an indentation along its right side. No injuries were reported among the crew or passengers.
Aftermath
After being notified, the crew returned the aircraft to the Executive Jet Centre. The Senior Airworthiness Inspector from the Department of Civil Aviation declared the aircraft unserviceable. Repairs included replacement of the left tip tank dorsal fin, and the maintenance release was signed in accordance with FAA requirements. The aircraft departed Bermuda on 6 March 2011, two days after the incident.