UK AAIB Bulletin No: 11/2004 Ref: EW/C2004/03/07 Airbus A321-211, EI-CPE & Boeing 747-436, G-BNLK
UK AAIB Bulletin No: 11/2004 Ref: EW/C2004/03/07 Airbus A321-211, EI-CPE & Boeing 747-436, G-BNLK
On 23 March 2004, an out of service British Airways Boeing 747-400, under Aircraft Towing passed behind a stationary Airbus A321-200 being operated by Irish Airline Aer Lingus on a departing scheduled passenger service in good daylight visibility and the wing tip of the 747 impacted and seriously damaged the rudder of the A321. The aircraft under tow was cleared for the towing movement and the A321 was holding position in accordance with clearance. The towing team were not aware of the collision and initially, there was some doubt in the A321 flight deck about the cause of a ‘shudder’ felt when the impact occurred but the cabin crew of the A321 had felt the impact shudder and upon noticing the nose of the 747 appearing concluded that it had struck their aircraft. Then the First Officer saw the damaged wing tip of the 747 and informed ATC about the possible impact. Later another aircraft, positioned behind the A321, confirmed the rudder damage. At the time of the collision, the two aircraft involved were on different ATC frequencies.






