Despite the presence of three Ground Crewmen while the flight crew of a B-737NG were self parking at the gate; the aircraft was allowed to run into a ground power unit prepositioned for use. Slight damage resulted.
Synopsis
Despite the presence of three Ground Crewmen while the flight crew of a B-737NG were self parking at the gate; the aircraft was allowed to run into a ground power unit prepositioned for use. Slight damage resulted.
Narrative
While taxiing in on gate centerline I noticed three Ground personnel standing with a ground power unit at the gate. I taxied into the gate using the self parking system. I noticed the ground power unit was positioned close to where the aircraft would be parked. I assumed the Ground personnel had placed the ground power unit in the correct position and would signal me to stop if I had any problems. Normally; the jet bridges have power cords and a ground power unit is not required. I taxied in very slowly while using the auto self park system and also looking out the window for Ground personnel to warn me of any problems. Just prior to the 'stop' light on the self parking system; we heard a rubbing noise in the nose of the aircraft. After shutting down the aircraft my First Officer went outside to learn we had barely bumped into the ground power unit.We made a 2 1/2 inch scratch in the nose of the aircraft. The Ground personnel did not say anything to us until we asked them what happened as they were unloading baggage. One of the Ground personnel said he wanted to warn me but didn't; because he said; 'I was afraid how you would react.' At no time during taxi in did any of the three Ground personnel indicate we needed to stop or that there was any problem. Even though the ground power cart was close to the aircraft I felt it was safe to proceed because I had three ground personnel watching me.We called Maintenance. They inspected the scratch and released the aircraft to service. The aircraft departed on its next scheduled flight.
Second reporter narrative
The automated guidance system (Self Park) was set up correctly for the 737 and appeared to be functioning normally.I notified Maintenance of what had occurred and the Captain made a logbook write up. We remained at the aircraft until Maintenance arrived and inspected the damage. We confirmed later that Maintenance had inspected the scratch and found the length and depth to be within serviceable limits and the aircraft was not taken out of service.The ramp markings are faded and worn; difficult to see; and congested with the absence of gate power. Safety zones should be created for GPUs in congested gate areas. We observed the GPU unit that we contacted to have a short power cord which required its position to be in close proximity to the aircraft nose. We found out that the other GPU offset to the nose of the aircraft was inoperative; which required the additional GPU. Other mitigating factors were the placement of other ground support equipment at the top of the gate area. The emphasis on automation is never a guarantee to the successful outcome.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.