Overview
- The newly published AAIB report says a tug instructor focused on coaching a trainee drove past the tug release point during pushback, leading the jet to strike a blast barrier.
- The August 21, 2024 incident involved a Ryanair Boeing 737 with 181 passengers and six crew, causing substantial rear‑airframe damage but no injuries as airport fire crews responded.
- Investigators detailed that the trainee initially turned too early, the instructor then took over while looking at and advising her, and subsequent drug and alcohol tests for the instructor were negative.
- The aircraft’s nosewheel moved beyond the TRP ground markings before impact, with the instructor describing the markings as not very prominent and partly obscured under the aircraft.
- Blue Handling staff from ABM conducted the manoeuvre, Stansted has since doubled TRP length and painted both sides of centre lines, and Ryanair said it agrees with the AAIB’s findings.