An analysis of incidents at Russian airports indicates systemic deficiencies in the operation of ground handling services. These include a lack of proper radio communication between team members, failure to adhere to towing procedures, leaving ground service equipment in unauthorised locations, and insufficient vigilance and coordination between ground personnel and flight crews. The negligent performance of duties by aerodrome ground handling staff has resulted in damage to six aircraft, according to a report in the newspaper Izvestia.
The identified breaches of procedure have led to collisions between aircraft and foreign objects, other vehicles, and even between aircraft themselves. This situation necessitates a review and tightening of controls over all ground handling processes, the article notes.
On 11th February 2024, at Sheremetyevo Airport, a ground handling team damaged an Aeroflot A320 (RA-73733) during towing when it collided with a self-propelled passenger boarding stair. The incident occurred due to the unattended stair being left in the operational area. The handling personnel took no action to avoid the collision, despite the presence of the obstruction, and the aircraft sustained damage to its wingtips, resulting in its temporary removal from service. The cause was attributed to negligent staff conduct and a disregard for elementary safety requirements.
A similar incident occurred at Pulkovo Airport, where an Aeroflot-Rossiya SSJ100 (RA-89177) collided with a Lukoil-Avia Bombardier Global Express XRS business jet (RA-67215). The lack of effective radio communication between the tow truck driver and the towing supervisor forced the driver to communicate with the dispatcher by phone. Consequently, the driver failed to hear instructions and did not see the Bombardier. This resulted in the driver failing to notice the approaching aircraft, and a collision occurred, causing wing damage to both aircraft.
Another incident took place on 5th July at Kazan Aerodrome. An Aeroflot Boeing 737 (RA-73112) sustained fuselage damage when it collided with a tow truck. The investigation found that the tow truck driver had failed to inform the team leader of a malfunction that prevented quick detachment of the tow bar from the aircraft. Consequently, the aircraft, with its engines running, moved forward under its own power and collided with the tow vehicle. Equipment malfunction and a lack of timely information exchange between staff led to the aircraft’s damage.
An analysis of incidents at Irkutsk and Magadan revealed that one cause of aircraft damage was excessive speed during towing on an icy apron surface. On 20th November in Irkutsk, during the movement of an S7 A320 (RA-73422), the towing tractor and the aircraft skidded during a turn, resulting in damage to the undercarriage strut and the engine. A similar incident in Magadan also resulted in damage to an S7 B737 (RA-73664). Insufficient consideration of weather conditions led to a loss of control on the slippery apron surface, highlighting the need to adjust towing procedures.
Following analysis of the incidents, Rosaviatsiya issued an order for refresher training for personnel authorised to work on aircraft. Aerodrome services are advised to develop clear procedures for handling non-standard situations, such as tow bar malfunctions, deviations from planned routes, the presence of obstacles, poor visibility of markings, or icy surfaces.
Airports, in turn, acknowledge the need to increase the size of towing teams, enhance personnel training programs, and acquire additional equipment. These measures will reduce risks and improve safety during ground handling of aircraft.