Ops topics

Flying Safety, April, 2004

Editor's Note: The following accounts are from actual mishaps. They have been screened to prevent the release of privileged information.

Aircrew members face many hazards in the air, but what about the hazards on the ground? Here are a few cases where the aircraft and other objects collided when they shouldn't have.

A-10 Versus Step Van

The event pilot (EP) taxied north-bound on the taxiway at approximately 15 mph. He was beginning his third of three scheduled sorties during an exercise. The event driver (ED) was driving south in a high-top step van on the east side of the taxiway. The ED saw the A-10 approaching and pulled over to the east edge of the pavement just north of a taxiway intersection to allow the aircraft to taxi by. The intersection was under construction and the ED had several barriers that blocked access to the intersecting taxiway. The EP did not see the step van on the side of the taxiway until it was approximately ten feet in front of his right wing tip. The EP continued to taxi and the right wing tip contacted the top of the step van. The impact between aircraft and step van destroyed approximately three inches of the lowest portion of the right wingtip, and dented and creased the step van's roof. The EP did not feel the contact, but did see composite "confetti" come from his right wing as it scraped across the top of the step van. The EP quickly stopped the aircraft after contact.

What are the conditions you will face when you taxi out for a sortie? Is there construction and / or vehicle traffic you need to be aware of? Make sure your path is clear. You need to keep heads up on the ground as well as in the air.

C-17 Versus Backhoe

During recent C-17 combat offload training, the windshield of a backhoe was destroyed. The vehicle was from the base civil engineering heavy equipment section complying with a work order to fill a low lying section of the airfield north of a taxiway and the C-17 ground operations area. The C-17 had just completed an assault landing and was preparing to accomplish combat offload training. In order to accomplish the combat offload, the C-17 had to back up to within 30 feet of the northern edge of the maneuvering area. At the time of the incident, the backhoe was approximately 244 feet from the aircraft, slightly off to the side of the aircraft. The mishap worker (MW) heard the engines of the C-17 spool up (that always get people's attention), and stated that there was a very strong wind that sounded like a "tornado." He heard a "pop" like a firecracker on the windshield of the backhoe, felt compression in the cab of the vehicle, and ducked down as the windshield shattered. The C-17 aircrew was unaware of the incident and completed their combat offload training and departed the area. There was no further damage to the vehicle and the driver only received minor scratches from flying glass.

Do you think there was a scheduling error here between base ops and CE? Why didn't the loadmaster or other crewmember see the backhoe? The crew probably wasn't looking for one, and thought the area was cleared for them as they were cleared to perform their training. Just a note to be aware of all the surroundings and look for unexpected vehicles.

C-5 In A Tight Spot

At an overseas location, a C-5 refueled at the main ramp and was directed by the tower to park on the adjacent ramp. The aircraft commander (AC) requested to remain where he was, but was directed to move for subsequent arrivals. The AC taxied to the taxiway and noticed a tremendous amount of FOD, including hundreds of old box lunches and papers littering the ramp. Tower advised the AC to park on the current taxiway and to anticipate a 180-degree turn for departure the next day. When the crew arrived the next day, an aircraft was parked behind the C-5, blocking the crew's exit through the taxiway. The only other out available for departure was a different taxiway. This taxiway is listed as 42 feet wide in the Airfield Suitability and Restrictions Report (ASRR); however, the crew measured it as 75 feet, tapering down to 70 feet at its narrowest point. The AC called home station and spoke with a pilot who used this taxiway during a recent mission and knew of three other ACs who had done the same. While surveying the taxi route, the AC observed a 24-foot high wind sock located 107 feet left of centerline of the taxiway. Scanners were deployed to ensure adequate wingtip clearance, and the aircraft taxied safely past. The scanners returned from the long grass with numerous ticks on their clothes and hair. The remaining taxi out and takeoff were uneventful. Why bring up a successful and undamaged aircraft? How about the increased risk factors for potential damage to the aircraft? Here are some factors that applied to this situation:

* The ramp is relatively small and congested with a moderate number of daily commercial movements.

* When the crew arrived at the aircraft the next day, another aircraft was parked behind them, blocking their exit through the planned taxiway.