What this relates to
A deviation from the towing or recovery procedures or clearances on the apron, incorrect marshalling, incorrect communication with the aircraft crew or incorrectly parked aircraft. Errors like this which occur on the ground can lead to an unintended near-collision or a collision with another aircraft, a vehicle or an obstacle.
Example
During pushback, the tractor pushes in the wrong direction. It steers the aircraft towards another aircraft which has already been parked. The tractor driver is fortunate that the ground handling team recognises the error and signals to the tractor driver to stop the manoeuvre. However, the distance between the two aircraft is very small; the outcome is a near-collision.
Commentary on the 2023 figures
In 2023, the number of reports fell by almost 20% compared to the previous year. The number of incidents per 10,000 flight movements also fell, from 0.65 in 2002 to 0.50 in 2023. Only one case was serious.
Nearly all incidents (90%) related to commercial air transport, while only 10% related to general aviation. The main cause in commercial air transport was failure to comply with pushback/towing or briefing procedures. An incorrectly performed procedure can result in a collision with another aircraft or the infrastructure of the aerodrome. The consequence: personal injuries or serious property damage.
In general aviation, the cases were mainly unintentional errors during towing into or out of hangars, resulting in collisions with infrastructure or other aircraft and damage to the aircraft.
Last modification 01.05.2024
