Push Back tug hits aircraft
Sunday 16th December
An Aviance (GHI) push back tug wrecked the underside of a Royal Brunei Airlines B767. After completing the tow onto stand, the driver positioned his tug along side the aircraft, when an alledged electrical fault on the tug caused it to run forward at speed (with driver still in the cab) and firmly wedge itself under the fuselage just aft of the cargo door. The aircraft was now on the tug with the nose gear nearly off the ground.
Emergency services on scene within 30 seconds from call out. BA crash recovery team enabled tug extraction by over pressurising the main gear and raising the aircraft clear of the tug. First initial assessments from on scene Engineers was Three frames snapped or severly buckled. At least 6 skin panels to be replaced, associated duct work and wire conduits to be replaced. Estimated time for repair without the stress checks and airworthiness certifications and airtests is 6 weeks.
It's bad enough for whats gone on in the past, but for a small operation like RBA with a limited fleet, it's going to hurt them very badly.
Note: The operating Captain had just walked past the other side of the aircraft whilst completing his walkround. He was none too impressed at seeing a tug appear under his aircraft. I myself was on the jetbridge waiting for the jetty driver to allow us to board.
Fortunately the tug driver was unhurt, but i am led to believe he is extremely traumatised. I would be too having a B767 sitting i