Incident Overview
On 19 April 2019, two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered as ZS-SJH and ZS-ZWV, both operated by Mango Airlines, were involved in a ground collision at O.R. Tambo International Aerodrome (FAOR) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The incident occurred at approximately 1430Z on taxiway Alpha at its intersection with taxiway November. The aircraft were preparing for scheduled flights: ZS-SJH to Cape Town International Aerodrome (FACT) and ZS-ZWV to King Shaka International Aerodrome (FALE).
Sequence of Events
At about 1427Z, the ground air traffic controller (ATC) instructed ZS-ZWV to taxi on taxiway Lima and Alpha, then hold short of taxiway Echo to make way for ZS-SJH, which had requested a full-length departure from Runway 21R. ZS-SJH was instructed to taxi via taxiway Echo onto taxiway Alpha and hold short of the runway. Both crews acknowledged the instructions.
However, ZS-SJH was observed turning onto taxiway Foxtrot. The ATC then directed ZS-ZWV to continue on taxiway Alpha and turn right at intersection November, as ZS-SJH was now behind ZS-ZWV. To avoid a collision, the ATC offered ZS-SJH an alternative route: turn onto taxiway Golf 10, proceed through Delta ramp, then via taxiway Golf 9 to taxiway Alpha and the holding point. The crew of ZS-SJH read back this instruction but decided to proceed on taxiway Alpha instead.
ZS-SJH maneuvered off the centerline to pass behind the stationary ZS-ZWV, which was holding short on taxiway November with its tail protruding onto taxiway Alpha. During this attempt, the right winglet of ZS-SJH struck the left horizontal stabiliser of ZS-ZWV.
Communication and Discovery
At 1436Z, the crew of ZS-ZWV reported feeling a "bang" and asked ATC to check with ZS-SJH. The crew of ZS-SJH initially stated they had not collided, attributing the sensation to normal bumps from taxiway lights. After further communication, ZS-SJH returned to the bay for inspection, where damage to the right winglet was discovered. ZS-ZWV continued to FALE and was inspected after landing, revealing a bent static wick on the left elevator and damage to the left aft tip of the horizontal stabiliser.
Damage
No injuries were reported. Damage was confined to the right-hand winglet of ZS-SJH and the left horizontal stabiliser of ZS-ZWV.
Investigation Findings
The investigation determined that the crew of ZS-SJH elected not to follow the ATC instructions and advice, leading to the collision with the stationary ZS-ZWV.