Boeing 777-200, N781AN and Airbus A340-300, TC-JDK, 6 November 2005
Boeing 777-200, N781AN and Airbus A340-300, TC-JDK
Summary:
Aircraft entering the Holding Area prior to departure from Runway 27L at London Heathrow Airport, initially follow a single yellow taxiway centreline, which splits into two parallel lines within the holding area. This is wide enough for two ‘heavy/widebody’ aircraft to position side by side when lined up on the parallel lines. Prior to departure, a Boeing 777 (B777) was holding, in turn, at N2W behind a Boeing 737-800 (B737), in the Holding Area. Whilst in this position, an Airbus A340 (A340) was instructed to taxi to N2E. As it passed behind the B777, the A340’s right winglet made contact with the B777’s left elevator and its left wing tip. The A340 had not reached the section of the line parallel to that upon which the B777 was parked. This accident happened at the same location as a collision between similar aircraft types reported in AAIB Bulletin 9/2005, reference EW/C2004/07/03. Two recommendations are made addressing the issues of the design and operation of the Holding Area for Runway 27L at London Heathrow Airport.
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