Occurrence Details
On 2 April 2021 at 1130 hours local time (0930 UTC), a towing operation at Malta International Airport (LMML) resulted in an accident involving a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The aircraft, registered as 9H-QCJ, was being repositioned from Apron 8 Stand 2 to Apron 2 under tow. The pushback from Stand 2 onto Taxiway I was completed, and the tow proceeded along Taxiway I and Taxiway J, crossing Runway 23.
Narrative
As the tow truck turned onto Taxiway K, the tow bar became detached from the aircraft. The aircraft continued straight ahead, entering the Cargo and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Area. It came to rest against a bank of four fuel bowsers parked side by side. The investigation is ongoing and has focused on data collection and analysis, witness interviews, and review of operating procedures.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 manufactured in 2016, serial number 62690, powered by two CFM International turbine engines. The operator was Malta Air, based in Malta. The flight was a repositioning movement under tow, with no flight number assigned.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries were reported among the three occupants (crew) or any other persons. The aircraft sustained moderate damage. Third-party damage included moderate damage to two parked fuel bowsers and minor damage to one parked fuel bowser.
Investigation
The Bureau of Air Accident Investigation (BAAI) is conducting an ICAO Annex 13 investigation. The investigating entity has informed ICAO, EASA, the European Commission, the NTSB, Boeing, and Transport Malta – Civil Aviation Directorate. No probable cause has been determined at this stage.