Incident Overview

Date: Sunday 10 April 2011
Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-333ER
Owner/operator: Air Canada
Registration Number: C-FIVM
Location: Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG – ÿ France
Phase of Flight: Pushback / towing
Status: Substantial, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants:
Component Affected: Aircraft Tractor (Tractor)Aircraft Tractor (Tractor)
Investigating Agency: BEABEA
Category: Accident
On July 26, 2023, Air Canada Flight 881 experienced a significant incident during a pushback maneuver near Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. After a series of initial pushbacks, the crew initiated a ‘PULL’ pushback maneuver, which proved to be problematic. The maneuver was initiated following an incomplete pushback, and the aircraft’s engine was running. The driver subsequently reversed the aircraft to bring it into alignment with taxiway P, but the initial pushback was unsuccessful, leading to a critical mechanical failure. The aircraft then continued to advance on the tractor, resulting in a complete separation and contact between the tractor and the aircraft’s front wheel, causing a significant structural damage and a loss of control. The incident concluded with the aircraft coming to rest against the tractor.On July 26, 2023, Air Canada Flight 881 experienced a significant incident during a pushback maneuver near Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport. After a series of initial pushbacks, the crew initiated a ‘PULL’ pushback maneuver, which proved to be problematic. The maneuver was initiated following an incomplete pushback, and the aircraft’s engine was running. The driver subsequently reversed the aircraft to bring it into alignment with taxiway P, but the initial pushback was unsuccessful, leading to a critical mechanical failure. The aircraft then continued to advance on the tractor, resulting in a complete separation and contact between the tractor and the aircraft’s front wheel, causing a significant structural damage and a loss of control. The incident concluded with the aircraft coming to rest against the tractor.

Description

The crew of Air Canada flight 881, a Boeing 777-300ER requested the pushback from stand A4 at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, France. The air traffic controller asked AC881 to maintain the position due to two pushbacks in the area. After the departure of a first aircraft, the controller authorized the crew of Oman Air flight 134 to do a long push back from stand A8 to position themselves facing west in order to then push back AC881 in front of them. After push back AC881 was not fully aligned with taxiway P. The pushback tractor driver pulled the aircraft in reverse to put it back in line with the track; first to the right of the aircraft, then to the left. The aircraft speed increased for about 15 seconds to reach 4 kt. During this manoeuvre, the B777 approaches the tractor. The tractor driver brakes. The angle between the tow bar and the aircraft axis increases. The train front begins to turn to the left, then the safety pins on the head of the coupling break. The aircraft continued to advance, the rudder pivoted and jammed under the left front wheel tyre and comes into contact with the tractor. It breaks down and the plane disengages from the tractor. The aircraft then continued to advance on the tractor. At 0944:45, the part of the bar still connected to the nose gear contacted the tractor and causes an additional rotation of the front axle. The tyre The right side splits on the left side of the tractor. The aircraft came to rest against the latter. The crew applies the park brake, as requested by wire link. Conclusion: The accident resulted from the decision to perform a PULL pushback manoeuvre, after an incomplete PUSH pushback, while an engine was running. The organisation of the sharing of procedures between the operator and all assistance personnel at the time of the accident contributed to the accident.

Primary Cause

Incomplete Pushback Maneuver and Engine RunningIncomplete Pushback Maneuver and Engine Running

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