What happened
On December 12, 1996, at approximately 16:32 UTC, an Avro 146-RJ10/00 (registration HB-IXR) operated by Crossair AG was preparing for departure from stand A-04 at Zurich Airport. Prior to the maneuver, a catering truck driver, tasked with servicing a different flight, had stopped his vehicle behind the aircraft. The driver had parked within the boundaries of stand A-04, though outside the designated roadway, and had turned off his engine and vehicle lights while waiting for a nearby MD-11 to complete its arrival.
Upon receiving pushback clearance, the flight crew activated the aircraft's rotating beacon and signaled readiness to the ground crew. A ground supervisor, after checking for obstacles near the engines, signaled the tractor driver to begin the pushback. As the aircraft began its backward movement, it traveled approximately 30 meters before the tail section struck the stationary, unlit catering truck. The impact caused the truck to tip onto its side.
The investigation
The investigation established that all aircraft documentation and crew licenses were valid at the time of the event. While the airport's floodlighting was active, the twilight conditions contributed to visibility challenges. The investigation focused on the positioning of the catering vehicle and the monitoring procedures used by the ground crew during the pushback process.
Findings
- The catering truck was parked in an unauthorized location within the boundaries of stand A-04.
- The truck was unlit at the time of the collision.
- The lack of attention by the supervisor during the pushback was the primary factor in the accident.
- The low-slung fuselage of the Avro 146 type makes it difficult for ground personnel to see obstacles positioned directly behind the aircraft.
Safety action
According to Zurich Airport operating regulations, the supervisor is required to remain in contact with the cockpit and walk alongside the aircraft during pushback to ensure the area is clear of obstacles. The investigation concluded that had the supervisor been walking alongside the aircraft, the improperly parked and unlit truck would have been visible, preventing the collision.