Ryanair Boeing 737 Strikes Blast Fence During Pushback at London Stansted, Causing Extensive Tail Damage — A Look Back at a Pivotal Moment in Airport Safety History!

Published on December 11, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

A Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS suffered significant damage to its tail when the aircraft struck a blast fence at the end of the taxiway during a pushback at London Stansted Airport on August 21, 2024. The incident, which was investigated by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), highlights the importance of training, situational awareness, and effective communication among airport ground crew.

The pushback, which involves moving an aircraft away from the gate and onto the taxiway, is a routine but critical task that requires precision and coordination between the flight crew and ground personnel. In this case, the pushback crew included a headset operator, a wingman, a tug driving instructor, and a trainee tug driver. Despite the standard procedures, the incident occurred due to a series of missteps during the pushback operation.

What Happened During the Incident?

The pushback was initiated by the trainee tug driver, who began by turning the aircraft onto the taxiway centerline. However, the turn was started too early, which caused the aircraft to veer off course. The tug instructor, who was seated beside the trainee, intervened and guided the driver through a series of corrective turns to realign the aircraft on the centerline.

As the situation progressed, the aircraft commander, who was in communication with the headset operator via the aircraft’s interphone system, noticed the corrective actions and inquired about the situation. The headset operator explained that the trainee was undergoing training, which provided some context to the situation. The trainee driver then decided to stop the pushback and asked the tug instructor to take over.

After swapping seats, the instructor resumed the pushback, successfully realigning the aircraft onto the taxiway centerline. However, during the operation, the tug continued moving beyond the designated “Tug Release Point” (TRP), which is marked on the ground to signal the point at which the pushback should end. The aircraft’s nosewheel had already crossed this point, but the tug continued at idle speed, eventually striking the blast fence located at the end of the cul-de-sac taxiway.

The collision caused extensive damage to the rear of the Ryanair aircraft, including the auxiliary power unit (APU), which is critical for powering the aircraft’s systems when the engines are not running. Following the impact, the tug instructor pulled the aircraft forward, away from the fence, and stopped the tug. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but the damage to the aircraft was significant.

Why Did This Incident Happen?

The key factors contributing to the incident were the trainee driver’s inexperience, the mismanagement of the pushback procedure, and the failure to properly execute the TRP stop. Despite having a tug instructor present, the combination of early corrective turns, confusion over the correct timing of the stop, and the failure to stop at the TRP led to the aircraft striking the blast fence.

The AAIB’s investigation also emphasized the importance of communication and situational awareness between the crew and ground personnel. While the headset operator had communicated the trainee’s status, the ground crew did not remain sufficiently vigilant to recognize the growing risk of continuing the pushback beyond the TRP. This lapse in attention, compounded by the aircraft’s unexpected movement, resulted in the collision.

What Action Has Been Taken?

In response to the incident, the airport operator has made several safety improvements to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. One of the primary changes includes making the “Tug Release Point” ground markings more prominent. This adjustment aims to ensure that the pushback crew and ground personnel are clearly aware of the point at which the tug must stop, reducing the likelihood of a similar situation arising.

Furthermore, the report underscored the need for better prioritization of tasks and maintaining a higher level of situational awareness on the airfield. Ground crew members must be vigilant of each other and ready to act swiftly if things begin to deviate from the expected procedure. The incident highlights the delicate balance of coordination required between the flight crew, headset operator, tug driver, and other ground personnel to ensure a safe and efficient pushback.

How Was the Aircraft Affected?

The damage to the aircraft’s tail was significant, particularly to the APU, which is an essential component of the aircraft. The APU provides electrical power and air conditioning when the engines are off, and its damage meant that the aircraft required repairs before it could safely resume service. While the specific costs of the damage were not disclosed, the report indicates that the aircraft was grounded for some time for repairs.

The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in pushback operations, where even minor mistakes can lead to costly and potentially dangerous consequences. It also highlights the need for rigorous training for both the flight and ground crew to handle unexpected situations and ensure that safety procedures are followed to the letter.

Conclusion

The pushback mishap involving the Ryanair Boeing 737 at London Stansted Airport on August 21, 2024, serves as a significant learning opportunity for the aviation industry. The accident was caused by a combination of human error, inadequate situational awareness, and the failure to adhere to safety protocols during pushback operations. However, with the corrective measures put in place by the airport operator and the recommendations made by the AAIB, the likelihood of similar incidents occurring in the future should be reduced. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of effective communication, training, and vigilance in ensuring the safety of aircraft operations on the ground.