News release

Aircraft/fuel truck collision highlights importance of following safety directives during emergencies

Richmond Hill, Ontario, 2 September 2020 — Today, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report (A19O0063) into the May 2019 collision between a fuel truck and a de Havilland DHC-8-300 at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario. The investigation highlights the importance of passengers familiarizing themselves with safety information and following instructions from flight attendants during emergencies.

On 10 May 2019, at 01:33 local time, a Jazz Aviation LP de Havilland DHC-8-300 operated as flight JZA8615, and a fuel tanker operated by Menzies Aviation, collided on the apron at the Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Ontario. The aircraft was carrying 52 passengers, including three infants. The passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft and were guided to the terminal building by the first responders. There was no fire and no fuel spillage. Fifteen minor injuries were reported, including one infant and one crew member.

The fuel tanker had crossed an aircraft warning sign painted on the apron surface just before the connecting corridor. These signs serve as a reminder for drivers that they are about to cross an aircraft taxilane, and to exercise vigilance. Drivers are not required to slow or stop in the absence of aircraft traffic. The fuel tanker did not slow or stop near the aircraft warning sign, and continued southbound at a speed of approximately 40 km/h, which is the speed limit.

The investigation determined that the limited field of view to the right of the fuel tanker driver’s cab caused by the front elevating service platform, along with the condensation on the windows, resulted in the driver being unable to see the aircraft in time to avoid the collision. While taxiing, the captain’s attention was focused primarily on the intended path of the aircraft to maintain the taxilane centreline and scan for traffic or obstacles ahead. The captain had a clear field of view in the direction of the oncoming fuel tanker, but the visibility was limited due to darkness, rain, and reflected light. Therefore, he did not see the oncoming tanker during the critical moments before the collision. If drivers and flight crews do not remain vigilant to the potential for other vehicles to cross designated apron maneuvering areas, regardless of airport activity level or vehicle right-of-way rules, there is an increased risk of collision.

The investigation also highlighted several factors as to risk related to the aircraft evacuation following the collision. It is important that passengers pay attention to the pre-flight safety briefings, review the safety features card, and follow directions from flight attendants in order to be prepared and to evacuate safely during an emergency. In this occurrence, one passenger was injured because she removed her seatbelt before the collision, despite the seatbelt light being illuminated and being told by the flight attendant to keep her seatbelt on. Two other passengers were injured after opening a rear emergency exit without instruction and jumping from the exit, which was not compliant with the safety features card instructions to sit on the sill of the emergency exit opening before exiting the aircraft. Some passengers also tried to retrieve carry-on items during the evacuation, which created delays. One infant was injured during the collision, reinforcing the need to address the outstanding TSB recommendation (A15-02) to require child restraint systems for infants and young children, to provide an equivalent level of safety to adults aboard commercial aircraft.

Following the occurrence, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) requested that the International Air Transport Association perform an audit of Menzies Aviation and its operations at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport. The GTAA has also initiated a review of its airside vehicle operator permit program, in consultation with stakeholders and vehicle operators. Menzies Aviation added rear and side view cameras to its tanker truck fleet and provided two-way radios to enhance communications between the company and its drivers. It also changed its operating practices to reduce ground vehicle congestion.

See the investigation page for more information.