Air carrier flight crew reported a run-away baggage cart nearly collided with their aircraft after winds and rain pushed the unsecured baggage cart across the ramp area.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported a run-away baggage cart nearly collided with their aircraft after winds and rain pushed the unsecured baggage cart across the ramp area.
Narrative
The weather in ZZZ was heavy rain and strong winds. After starting the engines; we saw the baggage cart coming towards the plane from the terminal parallel to the wing. To prevent the propeller from touching; the Captain immediately turned off the engines to prevent possible prop strike. From where I was sitting; I could not see any contact with the prop nor any contact with the fuselage. The cart seemed to sit just out of reach from the tip of the prop by a couple inches. Ramp agents' account said that there was 100% no contact with the plane. The Captain exited the plane to make a visual inspection and found nothing however it was raining heavily. I stayed in the aircraft due to weight and balance since the tail stand was not installed and passengers were still on board. Ground crew said again 100% there was no contact between the luggage cart and the aircraft; and they were completely sure it had stopped without hitting the aircraft. Having found no evidence and no reason not to believe the words of the ground personnel; the Captain decided to continue the flight. After landing in ZZZ1 and completing the post flight walk around we found a small dent on the left side of the fuselage; which may indicate that there was possible contact with the baggage cart. Since we are not sure of the origin of this dent; we have decided to record our suspicion in order to prevent further operation of the aircraft until the aircraft has been inspected. We are not certain 100% this happened. The aircraft was written up after talking to the flight operations and maintenance out of caution since there was no certainty of damages. Possible lack of awareness from ground personnel when securing the bag cart. Or an inoperable brake on a bag cart. Chalking or securing the baggage cart with more than just the brake.
Second reporter narrative
Possible damage of the aircraft. The weather at the airport was windy. After starting the engines; we saw the baggage cart approaching the plane from the left side of the terminal towards the plane. To prevent the propeller from touching; I immediately turned off the engines and when I turned around I saw a cart standing directly under the left engine. Propeller touchdown could not occur because the luggage cart is 2-3 inches below the level of the propeller. According to ground personnel; the trolley did not touch any part of the aircraft. I went outside to make a visual inspection and found nothing; it should be noted that it was raining heavily. But I once again received verbal confirmation that for 100% there was no contact between the luggage cart and the aircraft; and they were completely sure and led that it had stopped without hitting the aircraft. Having found no evidence and no reason not to believe the words of the ground personnel; I decided to continue the flight. After landing in the ZZZ1 and once again inspecting the aircraft; we found a small dent on the left side of the fuselage; which may indicate that contact with the baggage cart did occur. Since we are not sure of the origin of this dent; we have decided to write our suspicion up in order to prevent further operation of the aircraft until the aircraft has been inspected. There is no 100% certainty that the event took place. The aircraft was written to clarify the details and avoid its further use without the certainty that there are no damages. Possible inattention of ground personnel and poor fixation of the luggage trolley in strong wind conditions. Checking the fixation and installation on the brakes of all objects around the aircraft. If there is confirmation of contact by the aircraft's baggage cart; ground personnel should be careful in their assurances if they are not 100% sure.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.