Aerobridge staff couldn’t see parked 737s before collisions: ATSB

Both aircraft were correctly parked, and the aerobridge operators were employees of their respective airlines; however, as Gate 82 handles both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, the parking position for a 737 is far to the right of the aerobridge’s home position, resulting in reduced visibility of the aircraft.

“The ATSB’s investigation identified safety factors common to both occurrences, finding that both aerobridge operators could not see the parked aircraft when they began to extend the aerobridge,” said ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell.

“Narrow-body aircraft, such as the 737, sit lower to the ground than wide-body aircraft. As a result, to minimise the slope of the passenger tunnel, at Gate 82, they park further from the aerobridge home position than would be the case for wide-body aircraft, or at a gate designed only for narrow-body aircraft, such as many domestic terminal gates.

“In addition, this aerobridge lacked side viewing windows, as installed in some other aerobridges at the airport, limiting the visibility of narrow‑body aircraft along the docking path.”

In the ATSB’s report, investigators noted that it was “accepted practice” for operators to begin extending the aerobridge before the aircraft was visible, expecting it to come into view during the process. According to Mitchell, this was “reinforced by successful operations in the past”.

“But during the collision events, each aerobridge operator moved the joystick to a 3 o’clock position after rotating the cab left, unaware that this orientation would change the aerobridge’s direction of travel.”

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Consequently, as it extended, the aerobridge moved diagonally towards the aircraft rather than parallel to it, while the aerobridge operator lacked visual reference.

The ATSB identified that aerobridge training and in-cab instructions did not direct operators to gain and maintain visibility of the aircraft before moving the aerobridge.

Brisbane Airport Corporation has subsequently disseminated information to all operators emphasising the requirement to rotate the cab towards the aircraft, and to maintain positive line-of-sight during aerobridge operations.

It has also reviewed operator training manuals and identified gaps and opportunities to be more specific in the process to safely attach aerobridges to aircraft.

The airport has also created a new quality assurance role focused on airside performance of assets and operators.

“Aerobridges should be designed with visibility of aircraft in mind, and training should reinforce the importance of maintaining visual reference while operating an aerobridge,” Mitchell added.

Brisbane Airport said a program to replace eight aerobridges, including Gate 82, would include a review of safety features and narrow-body aircraft visibility.