What happened
On the evening of 27 December 2001, an Airbus A330-200, registration PT-MVB, operated by TAM Brazilian Airlines, was taxiing toward runway 28 at Zurich Airport. During its movement, the aircraft's right winglet made contact with the rudder assembly of a stationary Crossair AVRO RJ10 and registration HB-IYX.
The Crossair aircraft was positioned at a remote de-icing area (RIO) east of runway 28, waiting to enter its designated standby position. The collision occurred at the turn-off from taxiway A. While the crew of the TAM aircraft did not immediately realize a collision had occurred, the Crossair crew felt a vibration and observed the larger aircraft passing on their left. Following the incident, the TAM crew was notified via radio and returned to the gate for inspection.
The investigation
The investigation examined the operational procedures for the newly introduced remote de-icing position, the visibility conditions on the taxiways, and the communication between air traffic control and the flight crews. Investigators looked into the specific markings used for the de-icing area and the information available to pilots regarding the limited space within the bypass area.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was that the crew of the taxiing PT-MVB failed to recognize that the HB-IYX was stationary on the right side of the taxiway and had not yet fully reached its standby position.
- The available space in the bypass area was insufficient to allow an aircraft of the A330-200's dimensions to pass the stationary AVRO RJ100 safely.
- The HB-IYX crew had not fully read the specific winter operation bulletin detailing the procedures and space limitations for the RIO area.
- Environmental factors, including light snowfall and taxiway markings partially obscured by snow and slush, reduced visibility.
- The co-pilot of the TAM aircraft, responsible for monitoring obstacle clearance on the right, may have been distracted by a frequency change to the Tower frequency.
- The Zurich apron controller had a limited view of the de-icing position due to buildings and lighting conditions, and no specific traffic information regarding the stationary aircraft was provided to the TAM crew.
- The collision resulted in substantial damage to the HB-IYX, rendering it unairworthy, while the PT-MVB sustained only minor surface scratches.