What happened
On May 13, 2018, at 14:47 UTC, a collision occurred at Istanbul Atatürk Airport involving two aircraft during ground movements. The first aircraft, an Airbus A321-231 with registration TC-JMM, operated by Turkish Airlines, was taxiing via G taxiway to enter parking position 217 after arriving from Ercan. Simultaneously, an Airbus A330-300 with registration HL-7792, operated by Asiana Airlines, was taxiing via the same taxiway toward Incheon.
As the TC-JMM crew approached the parking stand, they observed traffic cones placed incorrectly in the area. While the crew slowed down to observe ground personnel moving the cones, the wingtip of the HL-7792 struck the tail section of the TC-JMM. The impact caused significant damage to the tail structure of the Airbus A321 and damage to the right wing, winglet, and slats of the Airbus A330. There were no fatalities or injuries among the passengers or crew.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation examined flight plans, cockpit voice recordings (CVR), flight data recorders (FDR), and ground communications. The investigation also reviewed the procedures of Turkish Ground Services (TGS) and the operational manuals of both airlines. Investigators analyzed video footage of the incident and interviewed the flight crews and ground personnel involved.
Findings
- The parking stand 217 had not been properly prepared prior to the arrival of the TC-J21; specifically, a traffic cone remained in the area and a ground service vehicle had crossed the safety line.
- Two TGS personnel entered the parking area while the aircraft was maneuvering, violating safety protocols regarding the exclusion zone.
- The crew of TC-JMM experienced a loss of situational awareness; while focused on the ground personnel and the misplaced cones, they failed to notice that the aircraft had inadvertently encroached upon the taxiway centerline and failed to notify Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the deviation.
- The crew of HL-7792 failed to maintain adequate wingtip clearance and did not notice the position of the TC-JMM during their taxi.
- The collision resulted in a hydraulic leak and smoke from the TC-JMM tail section and a fuel leak from the wing of the HL-7792.
Safety action
- Asiana Airlines was advised to share the report with all pilots and implement preventive measures.
- TGS was recommended to establish a specific "arrival team" procedure, define clearer job descriptions for all stages of ground operations, and increase supervisory oversight.
- Turkish Airlines was advised to remind all flight crews of the requirement to immediately report any operational deviations or unauthorized stops to ATC.