AAIB investigation to Boeing 737-4Y0F, EC-MIE

Aircraft taxied over towbar, East Midlands Airport, Leicestershire, 16 June 2021.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 13 January 2022

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 16 June 2021
• Aircraft type: Boeing 737-4Y0F
• Location: East Midlands Airport, Leicestershire
• Registration: EC-MIE

Summary:

After an uneventful pushback, the towbar was left on the taxiway in front of the aircraft. Soon after the aircraft commenced taxiing, its left landing gear went over the towbar. The missing towbar was noticed when the ground crew returned the tug to the towbar parking area. The aircraft was subsequently stopped from taking off to allow an inspection to take place. Damage was found to two landing gear tyres, which were replaced before the aircraft departed.

The investigation found that the ground crew did not complete some of their tasks or check the taxiway was clear before they left the area.

As a result of this incident the handing agent implemented several safety actions to make the ground crew’s procedures more robust.

Download report:

Boeing 737-4Y0F EC-MIE 01-22

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Published 13 January 2022