What happened
On June 18, 2010, at approximately 08:38 UTC, a collision occurred between two aircraft during taxi operations at Prague/Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). The first aircraft, an Airbus A321-131 operated by Lufthansa, was stationary on taxiway E, positioned behind another aircraft.
The second aircraft, a Boeing B737-8BK operated by Sun Express, was taxiing along taxiway F toward the runway 06 holding point. During the maneuver, the right-side winglet of the B7137-8BK made contact with the left side of the stabilizer and the left elevator of the stationary A321-131. The impact resulted in a fragment of the winglet, approximately 1.2 meters in length, breaking off at the intersection of taxiways E and F.
Following the contact, the crew of the B737-8BK stopped the aircraft and notified Air Traffic Control (ATC). The crew of the A321-131 subsequently reported the collision and requested to return to their parking stand. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers on either aircraft, though both planes sustained damage that rendered them unable to fly without repairs.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined radar records from the A-SMGCS system, radio communications, and flight data from the A321-131. The investigation also reviewed the cockpit statements from both crews and the operational responses of the airport authorities.
Investigators determined that the B737-8BK was taxiing at a speed of approximately 3 to 5 knots and had intentionally drifted approximately 0.5 meters to the left of the taxiway centerline. The investigation also noted that the flight officer on the B737-8BK attempted to monitor wingtip clearance but could not definitively confirm the distance from the stationary aircraft due to his position in the cockpit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was human error, specifically the failure of the taxiing crew to maintain a safe separation distance from the stationary aircraft.
- The pilot of the B737-8BK relied on the flight officer's assessment of wingtip clearance, which was inaccurate because the flight officer's position prevented a clear view of the wingtip extremity.
- Both crews failed to properly assess the severity of the incident, choosing to taxi the damaged aircraft back to their respective stands rather than requesting a formal damage inspection at the site of the collision.
- The Tower Supervisor decided not to declare an aircraft accident emergency based on the information available at the time.