A346, Toulouse France, 2007

A346, Toulouse France, 2007

Summary

During ground running of engines, the aircraft impacted a concrete wall at a ground speed of 30 kts following unintended movement and the aircraft was wrecked.

Event Details
When
15/11/2007
Event Type
GND
Day/Night
Day
Flight Conditions
On Ground - Normal Visibility
Flight Details
Take-off Commenced
No
Flight Airborne
No
Flight Completed
No
Phase of Flight
Parked
Location
Location - Airport
Airport
HF
Tag(s)
Inappropriate crew response - skills deficiency, Ineffective Monitoring, Procedural non compliance
GND
Tag(s)
Aircraft / Object or Structure conflict
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
Hull loss
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Injuries
Most or all occupants
Off Airport Landing
Yes
Ditching
Yes
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Operation
Investigation Type
Type
Independent

Description

An Airbus A340-600, due to be delivered to Etihad Airways, was performing ground tests at the Airbus plant, Toulouse Airport in normal daylight visibility on 15 November 2007 with technical personnel in the pilot seats. The wheels were not chocked when the crew began engine and brake system testing. When the aircraft began to move with high thrust already set, the response of the two people in the flight deck was inappropriate and a reduction in thrust was not actioned as a first response. The result was that the aircraft impacted and then mounted the concrete containment wall of the running bay causing the destruction of the aircraft and injury to all five occupants.

Investigation

Although no State Investigation was required under ICAO Annex 13, an independent investigation in accordance with similar procedures was requested from, carried out and subsequently published by the Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA)

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