SERIOUS INCIDENT: Airbus A320, EC-LVQ Dublin Airport Ireland, 27 September 2017: REPORT 2018-009

SYNOPSIS

A pushback and pull forward manoeuvre, using a tractor and towbar, was being performed on an Airbus A320 aircraft from parking Stand 318R at Dublin Airport (EIDW), in preparation for departure to Madrid Barajas Airport (LEMD), Spain. The aircraft’s starboard engine was being started by the Flight Crew as the aircraft was being pulled forward onto Apron Taxiway 5. As it was being aligned with the apron taxiway, the nose of the aircraft overtook the tractor which remained attached to the aircraft by the towbar. The aircraft continued to move forward, coming to rest with the tractor wedged against the right hand side of the starboard engine cowling. There were no injuries.