Ground Handling, Batik Air (Airbus A320-200 PK-LZJ); Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar, KNKT.19.05.09.04

On 25 May 2019, an Airbus A320 aircraft registered PK-LZJ was being operated on a scheduled passenger flight from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (WAAA), Makassar to Mopah International Airport (WAKK), Merauke. On board the aircraft was two pilots, five flight attendants and 82 passengers.

At 1842 UTC (0242 LT), on night time, the aircraft commenced pushback from stand B1. The push back operation used towing tractor with the three crews consisted of towing tractor driver, a wing-man and a headset-man who performed by an aircraft mechanic. There was no briefing among the crew related to the pushback activity including the push back maneuver. The towing tractor driver and wing-man used high visibility vest while the headset-man used company uniform without any fluorescence strip or high visibility vest.

The push back maneuver did not follow the guideline and the headset-man walked behind the nose wheel while observing the engine start process. During a turn, the aircraft nose wheel passed over the right foot of the headset-man. The towing tractor driver felt a bump and noticed that the headset-man laid on the ground. The headset-man evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical treatment and found sustaining fracture on his right tarsometatarsal.

The investigation determined that the aircraft and towing tractor airworthiness serviceability, and communication transmission were not an issue on this occurrence. Therefore, the analysis discussed the pushback operation and personnel awareness. The investigation concluded the contributing factors of the occurrence as follows:

The different assumption of pushback maneuver between headset-man and the push back tractor driver, and both were fixated to their own duties while working on a reduced alertness condition, resulted in the towing tractor driver did not aware of the headset-man position and the headset-man did not aware of the nose wheel position. These conditions led to the nose wheel passed over the headset-man foot.

The KNKT had been informed of safety actions taken by the involved parties resulting from this occurrence. However, there still remain safety issues that need to be considered. Therefore, the KNKT issues the following safety recommendations addressed to the Angkasa Aviasi Servis.