A Singapore Airlines A380 jumbo jet operating flight SQ406 from Singapore to Delhi experienced an unusual rollback after parking at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on November 25. The incident, which resulted in a minor injury to a cabin crew member, has raised questions about potential technical or procedural lapses.
After landing and taxiing to its designated parking bay, the A380 experienced an unexpected rollback, moving for approximately 15-20 seconds. The pilot immediately applied brakes to bring the aircraft to a halt, and ground staff safely towed it back to its parking position.
Impact on Crew and Passengers
A cabin crew member sustained a minor bruise on her thigh, received medical attention, and was deemed fit to resume duties, while all passengers disembarked safely without any reported injuries.
Possible Causes of the Rollback
A senior commander highlighted three potential reasons for the rollback:
- Brake Application Issue: The pilot may have only applied the toe brakes but failed to engage the parking brakes.
- Miscommunication with Ground Staff: The parking brakes might have been released before chocks were securely placed around the wheels.
- Improper Chock Placement: Chocks may have been placed only in front of the wheels, failing to prevent backward movement when the parking brakes were released.
Aircraft Parking Procedures
When an aircraft parks, pilots initially apply the toe brakes followed by the parking brakes before shutting down the engines. Ground staff then place chocks, or wedges, to secure the aircraft wheels, and the pilots release the parking brakes only after receiving confirmation that the chocks are properly in place.
Some parking bays have slight slopes to prevent water pooling, which can increase the risk of rollbacks if procedures are not followed precisely.
Singapore Airlines assured that safety protocols were followed, and the airline issued an apology for any inconvenience caused by the incident. A spokesperson confirmed that the matter is being reviewed to determine the exact cause.
DGCA Guidelines
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued circulars emphasizing safety precautions, such as keeping seatbelt signs on until the parking brakes are securely engaged and ensuring that no aircraft movement occurs before ground procedures are fully completed.
Incidents like this underline the importance of precise coordination between pilots and ground staff. Technical glitches, procedural errors, or miscommunication can lead to minor mishaps, though aviation safety protocols are designed to prevent significant consequences.
While the rollback incident at Delhi airport was managed without significant repercussions, it highlights the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols. Investigations are underway to identify the exact cause and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.