What this relates to
An aircraft is incorrectly loaded. The loading plan may be deficient, contain errors in the takeoff weight, the calculation of the balance or the flight parameters. Errors can result in the load shifting during the flight. Loading errors can endanger operating safety during flying.
Example
An aircraft is fully loaded. Upon checking of the loading plan it becomes apparent that the load in the cargo compartment is not distributed in a manner that would ensure a safe flight. The aircraft must be loaded differently, which results in a considerable delay for the passengers.
Commentary on the 2023 figures
The number of reported loading errors increased by 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year. All incidents related to commercial air transport. Only just over 40% of the cases occurred at Swiss aerodromes, the rest, as reported by Swiss operators, took place abroad.
The causes and consequences were varied; approximately 30% had no operational or safety effects. These reports often related to baggage sent to the wrong destination or non-compliant loading procedures.
The remaining 70% related to incidents of baggage or cargo (including dangerous goods) being incorrectly loaded on the aircraft or errors in the loading plan. In most cases, these incident had no significant effects on flight operations. In a few cases, the errors affected the weight and balance of the aircraft. The centre of gravity of the aircraft was no longer within the defined limits, which made control difficult.
The most important finding: the number of incidents increased in 2023, less than 5% of them seriously affected flight operations.
Last modification 01.05.2024
