B763 / B737, Tel Aviv Israel, 2018

B763 / B737, Tel Aviv Israel, 2018

Summary

On 28 March 2018, a Boeing 767-300 and a Boeing 737-700 were being simultaneously pushed back in darkness from adjacent parking positions as cleared. Their respective tailplanes collided, causing substantial damage. The investigation found that the 737 clearance conflicted with both a previously issued clearance to the 767 and with the actual location of the 737. It also found that the controller’s error had been compounded because the wing walkers tasked with monitoring both pushbacks were in the drivers’ cabs because it was raining. A context of systemic ramp operations inadequacy was identified as contributory.

Description

On 28 March 2018, a Boeing 767-300 (4X-EAK) being operated by El Al on a scheduled international passenger flight from Tel Aviv to Rome as LY 385 and a Boeing 737-700 (D-ABLB) being operated by Germania on scheduled international passenger flight from Tel Aviv to Berlin Tegel as ST4915 were both being pushed back from adjacent gates in reduced normal (in excess of 5km) night visibility in rain on a floodlit manoeuvring area when they collided. This resulted in significant damage to both aircraft but no injuries. All 367 occupants of the two aircraft were disembarked to buses and returned to the terminal building, and after an initial accident site examination by members of the assigned independent investigation team, the aircraft were then separated. Damage to both aircraft was subsequently classified as severe with the 767 declared a hull loss.

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