B744, Johannesburg South Africa, 2013

B744, Johannesburg South Africa, 2013

Summary

On 22 December 2013, a Boeing 747-400 taxiing for departure at Johannesburg at night with an augmented crew failed to follow its correctly-acknowledged taxi clearance and one wing hit a building resulting in substantial damage to both aircraft and building and a significant fuel leak. The aircraft occupants were all uninjured but four people in the building sustained minor injuries. The accident was attributed to crew error both in respect of an inadequate briefing and failure to monitor aircraft position using available charts and visual reference. Some minor contributory factors relating to the provision of airport lighting and signage were noted.

Description

On 22 December 2013, a Boeing 747-400 (G-BNLL) being operated by British Airways on a scheduled passenger flight from Johannesburg to London Heathrow was taxiing for departure at night in normal ground visibility when the aircraft was involved in a collision with a building adjacent to the taxiway. Substantial damage to both aircraft and building resulted and a significant fuel leak occurred. The aircraft occupants were all uninjured but four people in the building sustained minor injuries.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the South African CAA Accident and Investigation Division (AAID). Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) data was successfully downloaded to assist but it was noted that the parameters recorded by the FDR did not include some, such as applied brake pressure, which would have been useful.

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