What happened
On the evening of November 22, 1972, an Egypt Air Ilyushin 62, registration SU-ARX, was positioned at stand G3 at Zurich Airport, preparing for a scheduled flight to Rome. The aircraft was already running approximately 90 minutes behind schedule, creating significant time pressure during the refueling and loading processes.
During the turnaround, a delay occurred because a rear mobile passenger stair could not be immediately moved due to an electrical malfunction. Because a ground-to-cockpit interphone system was unavailable, the flight crew and ground staff were forced to communicate using hand signals on the apron. Under these conditions, the pilot initiated engine start at 18:50 GMT and began the taxi maneuver before the chocks had been removed from the nose gear and before the rear passenger stair had been cleared from the aircraft.
As the aircraft moved, the left wing collided with the passenger stair. The impact caused severe damage to the wing, resulting in a leak of approximately 6,000 liters of kerosene. While no fire erupted, the spilled fuel flowed into the nearby Glatt river, causing environmental pollution. There were no fatalities and no injuries to the crew or passengers, though the aircraft sustained light damage and the stair was heavily damaged.
The investigation
The investigation examined the operational pressures, communication failures, and the actions of the flight crew. It established that the aircraft was airworthy and that no pre-existing mechanical defects were responsible for the collision.
Investigators found that the lack of a functional interphone system necessitated the use of hand signals, which are less effective in poor visibility. At the time of the incident, heavy rain and reflections from puddles on the apron made it difficult for the crew to see the ground personnel, who were dressed in dark clothing. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the pilot initiated the taxi without receiving the required clearance from the ground supervisor.
Findings
- The primary cause was the failure of the pilot to follow established traffic regulations by initiating the taxi maneuver without receiving the necessary clearance from the ground supervisor.
- Significant time pressure due to the 90-minute delay influenced the decision-making process.
- The absence of a ground-to-cockpit interphone prevented clear, direct communication between the crew and the ground team.
- Poor visibility caused by heavy rain and nighttime conditions hindered the ability of the crew to monitor the movement of ground equipment and personnel.