Incident Overview

Date: Monday 12 August 2019
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Owner/operator: Norwegian Air UK
Registration Number: G-CKWB
Location: London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) – ÿ United Kingdom
Phase of Flight: Pushback / towing
Status: Minor, repaired
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 352
Component Affected: Aircraft tail coneAircraft tail cone
Investigating Agency: AAIBAAIB
Category: Accident
A Norwegian Air UK Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was parked at Stand 38 at London-Gatwick Airport, U.K. It was authorized to push back for a flight to the USA. However, the incorrect line was used during the pushback, resulting in the aircraft tail cone striking the blast screen. This damage to the blast screen and APU exhaust fairing caused the aircraft to be withdrawn from service for repairs.A Norwegian Air UK Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was parked at Stand 38 at London-Gatwick Airport, U.K. It was authorized to push back for a flight to the USA. However, the incorrect line was used during the pushback, resulting in the aircraft tail cone striking the blast screen. This damage to the blast screen and APU exhaust fairing caused the aircraft to be withdrawn from service for repairs.

Description

Norwegian Air UK flight 7017, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, was parked on Stand 38 at London-Gatwick Airport, U.K. The aircraft was loaded, with the doors closed ready to depart for its flight to the USA. Permission was granted by the ground controller for the aircraft to push back and start engines at 10:10. The aircraft was pushed back using the incorrect line and as a result the aircraft tail cone struck the blast screen. Stand 38 at Gatwick requires a non-standard pushback due to the limited space. The stand has pushback route markings and a stop line to assist the tug driver and headset operator position the aircraft correctly. G-CKWB was not pushed from the stand onto the required line or stopped at the correct point. This meant that the aircraft came into contact with the blast screen and the APU exhaust fairing was damaged. As a result, the aircraft was withdrawn from service for repairs. It resumed service on 31 August 2019.

Primary Cause

Incorrect line used during the pushback operation.Incorrect line used during the pushback operation.

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