Narrative:During the pre-departure preparations, one end of a towbar was connected to the nose landing gear of a Boeing 737 aircraft and a pushback tractor was positioned approximately one metre from the towbar's opposite end. A ground engineer subsequently started the tractor with the intention of hooking up to the towbar. When the engineer released the handbrake, the tractor lurched forward and struck the towbar. The force of the impact fractured the aircraft nose landing gear drag brace. The nose landing gear assembly then pivoted back under the aircraft, becoming jammed between the towbar and the aircraft fuselage.
Probable Cause:
The investigation was unable to determine the reason for the sudden movement of the pushback tractor.
Classification:
Damaged on the ground
Sources:
» ATSB
Follow-up / safety actions
ATSB issued 2 Safety Recommendations
Issued: 02-JUN-2000 | To: | R20000046 |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (formerly the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation) recommends that Australian aircraft operators consider the introduction of formal push back tractor training and competency standards, which includes all varieties of equipment utilised, and regular recurrent proficiency checks of all push back tractor operators. (No Response) |
Issued: 02-JUN-2000 | To: | R20000047 |
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (formerly the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation) recommends that Australian aircraft operators evaluate pushback tractor safety controls for standardised design and location across the fleet, particularly in regard to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recommended practices for aircraft handling equipment. (Closed - Not Accepted) |
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Photos
Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does
not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Melbourne-Tullamarine Airport, VIC to Sydney-Kingsford Smith International Airport, NSW as the crow flies is 703 km (440 miles).
This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.