Accident Overview
On 27 December 2017 at approximately 20:30 UTC, a Dassault Falcon 7X with registration VP-BZE departed its parking stand on Apron 4 (Park 4, stand 2) at Malta International Airport. The aircraft rolled down a slope on the north-western edge of Park 4, went through the airport perimeter fence, crossed a road, and crashed into a building across the road, where it came to a halt. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had no occupants and was not being serviced. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
Aircraft and Conditions
The aircraft had landed on 26 December 2017 at 13:25 UTC, with blocks-on at 13:29 UTC. It was parked with the parking brakes off, in accordance with standard practice for this type. The fuel load was approximately 10,600 lbs, and the aircraft carried no payload. Weather conditions included darkness, patches of rain, and surface wind on Runway 05 (close to Park 4) ranging from 220° to 230°, gusting to 35 knots. The wind came from the port rear quarter of the aircraft, tending to propel it forward and rotate it anticlockwise due to weathercocking effects from the fin.
Chronology
During the accident sequence, the nose wheel castored and deflected anticlockwise under wind force. The aircraft rotated on its outer left main gear tyre, with the two nose wheel tyres narrowly missing their chocks. Rotation continued until the angle between the left main gear tyre and its chock became acute enough to dislodge the chock, leaving the aircraft unrestrained. It then gained momentum, rolling upwind and weathercocking. CCTV footage and tyre marks showed the aircraft swinging right, exiting Park 4 at its north-western edge, rolling down a slope, scraping the roof of the High Voltage Distribution Centre with its port winglet, and striking a low structure with its starboard outer main undercarriage door before crossing the fence and road.
Investigation Findings
The investigation examined airport security and found no evidence of unauthorized persons or activity near the aircraft. The captain confirmed that the aircraft had been parked with parking brakes off. Ground handlers stated they placed chocks on the nose wheel and left main gear. Evidence at the site indicated that only these three chocks were used; the right main gear was unchocked. The Dassault Falcon 7X technical manual recommends releasing parking brakes with chocks in place, but also notes that the park brake can be used for short or extended stops (up to 18 hours) when chocks are not available. The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) specifies that for outdoor parking in strong wind, six wheel chocks should be used, and the aircraft should be pointed into the wind. The Ground Servicing Manual (GSM) lists six wheel chocks as required equipment but may not clearly emphasize chocking all wheels. The aircraft's low weight-to-volume ratio and the wet, slippery pavement further reduced wheel-to-pavement friction.
Manufacturer Guidance
Dassault's standard procedure for parking the Falcon 7X states that the parking brake should be off when chocks are used. The AMM task for parking in strong wind or overnight requires six chocks, with the aircraft pointed into the wind. The park brake handle in the second notch provides braking for up to 18 hours using accumulator pressure. However, the crew does not have access to the AMM; they rely on the GSM, which may not adequately highlight the importance of chocking all six wheels. The type rating course covers securing the aircraft for long stays.