Following the marshaller guarantees nothing

[pelmet]

747 in Moncton with 2 million dollars damage due to hitting a snowbank while being marshalled.

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=222910

According to the airline...."Snow was not cleared back adequate enough for a 747, apparently,”
“We were following the taxi director’s instructions and drug(sic) an engine on one of the snowbanks there.”

We had a big cargo aircraft do the same thing a few months ago. Apparently, he was being marshalled into the parking stand offset from the centerline intentionally because of the freighter parked in the adjacent stand. Ran an engine into a cargo pallet while following the marshaller. The marshaller did not see the wing walker waving frantically to stop.

Have you ever marshalled in a 747? I have. It can be mesmerizing. A young guy hoping to fly one someday looking up at it and dreaming about it as it taxies toward you and not thinking about much else is quite possible. Meanwhile, an accident is about to happen. Trust the marshaller only when you absolutely have to, especially when circumstances are unusual.

As for the captain on that flight, no longer. The company doesn't like damaged airplanes as much for reputation as anything else and sent out a memo stating the responsibilities of the captain.

[MZUNGO]

not the first time, wont be the last. I watched a Greyhound 727 get marshalled into the back of a fuel truck many moons ago. the wing walker was VERY clearly trying to get the marshallers attention, but he was diligently keeping eye contact with the pilot.

Basic marshalling as taught to me by the Military even longer ago was that the marshaller is responsible for watching the aircraft and any wing walkers, the person taxiing the aircraft was to be following the marshallers directions.

[pelmet]

Basic marshalling as taught to me by the Military even longer ago was that the marshaller is responsible for watching the aircraft and any wing walkers, the person taxiing the aircraft was to be following the marshallers directions.

I suggest using confirming as much as you can in a reasonable manner. Most of the time, things are obviously safe. Frequently, you have no choice but to rely on them. But on occasion, you might be able to prevent an incident. In the case I alluded to in the first post, stopping and insisting that the cargo pallet that was uncomfortably close be moved would have prevented the incident.

[lownslow]

I suggest using confirming as much as you can in a reasonable manner.

In simpler terms: trust no one. You alluded earlier to a captain at the very least losing a stripe, if not more, when this happened. Meanwhile the marshaller/fueler/ATC/mechanic/dispatcher/plow driver or anyone else outside the cockpit who screwed up is simply told to be more careful next time.

Low time folks, take note.

[pelmet]

747 in Moncton with 2 million dollars damage due to hitting a snowbank while being marshalled.

https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=222910

According to the airline...."Snow was not cleared back adequate enough for a 747, apparently,”
“We were following the taxi director’s instructions and drug(sic) an engine on one of the snowbanks there.”

N782CK, a Boeing 747-400 cargo aircraft operated by Kalitta Air, was conducting flight CKS962
from Chicago/O’Hare Intl (KORD), IL to Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc Intl (CYQM), NB with 7
crew members on board. After the landing on Runway 24 at CYQM, the aircraft taxied onto
Taxiway Echo to the apron. As the aircraft entered the apron, the flight crew deviated off the taxi
lane during the left turn onto the apron. The number one engine then contacted a snow bank,
which caused damage to the engine. There were no injuries and no impact to airport operations.
The subsequent flight was cancelled.
Maintenance personnel inspected the aircraft, and the operator elected to ferry the aircraft on 3
engines the following day.

[pelmet]

C-FSDB, an Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8 completed flight AC991 from Toronto Pearson
International Airport (CYYZ), ON to Mexico City International Airport (MMMX), Mexico and was
taxing to the gate when the aircraft struck a portable air stairs, which was not entirely in the safe
zone. The flight crew followed the lead in line and the aircraft had wing walkers. The crew was
unaware of the strike until they deplaned the aircraft. The stairs caused damage to the leading
edge of the right hand lower winglet (Sharklet).

The aircraft was taken offline for Maintenance to review the damage and discuss the options for
repair or MEL.

[pelmet]

Don't know the story here but in general, best to double check and be willing to stop if it looks very close. Then perhaps have the ground crew taking a closer look before continuing on.


C-GAMQ, a Westjet B737 Max 8 conducting flight WJA1540 from Calgary International Airport
(CYYC), AB to Houston Airport (KIAH), TX was taxiing to the gate in KIAH under marshalling
direction when the underside lower winglet of the left wing struck the air stairs. There was no
evacuation or rapid deplanement. There was minor damage to the winglet.