Two Mechanics report on their involvement with pushing a B747-400 off an International Terminal gate with a Goldhaufer Tow Tractor while the Jet Bridge was still up and cabin door 1-Left still open.
Synopsis
Two Mechanics report on their involvement with pushing a B747-400 off an International Terminal gate with a Goldhaufer Tow Tractor while the Jet Bridge was still up and cabin door 1-Left still open.
Narrative
At the start of my shift; I was assigned to pick-up a B747-400 aircraft from terminal and Goldhaufer Tug it to the hanger. I was driving the Goldhaufer and was in position to pickup (lift) the aircraft after the jet bridge and catering trucks were away from the plane. While waiting for the catering trucks to finish I was sitting in the cab of the high speed tractor. I heard a bell and thought I saw the jet bridge move away from the aircraft. When the catering trucks left I made contact with my assigned partner in the cockpit and told him to call for push clearance with terminal ramp. I had already picked up (lifted) the plane because I thought the jet bridge was off. My partner called for and obtained push clearance; he then told me he had released brakes. I saw a Ramp person who I thought was a Guide person; so I started to push. After approximately 30 FT I stopped realizing that the jetbridge was still up and the door was not closed causing damage to the door 1 left. I'm not sure why I thought the bridge was off but I normally do not lift the airplane until it is removed.
Second reporter narrative
I was assigned to move Company B747-400 aircraft from the International Terminal to the Company hangar using the Goldhaufer (tow) tractor with another Mechanic.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.