KA a330 - car crashes into plane

[MEL_Traveller]

If true, sad that they thought taking others out with them was the way to go (as I'd imagine driving into the fuselage/rupturing a fuel tank would have done). Plus even if they'd been the only one, seeing someone die through an engine would scar the passengers who bore witness.

I'm not sure I see the huge danger to the aircraft that others see here? Panes seem to be pretty robust - the BA wing that went right through a building in South Africa. Another example of a collision here (at much higher speed than the KA plane): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayCWSm1f9qk

 

[jb747]

If true, sad that they thought taking others out with them was the way to go (as I'd imagine driving into the fuselage/rupturing a fuel tank would have done). Plus even if they'd been the only one, seeing someone die through an engine would scar the passengers who bore witness.

I don't think it would have done much of anything. As far as I know, A330 don't have fuselage fuel.

 

[Quickstatus]

has a medical incident (for example heart attack) been ruled out?

Very good point Mel_Traveller!

Thanks!

I don't think it would have done much of anything. As far as I know, A330 don't have fuselage fuel.

Doctor Google suggests the -200 has a centre tank which is absent in the -300.

QF seatmap and statistics says the -300 has 42000L less fuel capacity than the the -200.
And also suggesting the -300 does not have range at full payload to do a SYD-SIN?

 

[samh004]

I don't think it would have done much of anything. As far as I know, A330 don't have fuselage fuel.

Ahh, here I was thinking that was a standard thing.

I was thinking of the QF32 incident where I recall reading that had the fragments of engine hit elsewhere on the fuselage it could have ruptured something. Or maybe what I read was total bull. But I recall it nonetheless.

 

[jb747]

I was thinking of the QF32 incident where I recall reading that had the fragments of engine hit elsewhere on the fuselage it could have ruptured something. Or maybe what I read was total bull. But I recall it nonetheless.

Fragments did rupture a fuel tank. I would be more concerned about penetrating the passenger cabin.

Doctor Google suggests the -200 has a centre tank which is absent in the -300.

That's where I looked for fuel system schematics. I'll ask one of my mates who flies it. And the reply came instantly. 200 has a CWT, 300 not. So your Doctor is correct.

A story (possibly apocryphal) about one of our senior management, has it that he was in the coughpit of a -200, and said something to the pilots about the coming longer range version (-300). They turned to him in amazement, and pointed out that just because the model number was bigger, it did not mean it went further. Like all such stories probably made up in a bar, but....

 

[juddles]

If it was sucked into the engine the top of the car would have tilted to the right. It seems that it was actually tilting to the left as it was turning right into the engine. The car was still in the ground when it impacted the engine . Non accidental methinks.

The video appears to show an initial tilt to the right as it entered the area of influence of the engine, with a subsequent attempt to swerve left away. A small, high bulk-to-weight ratio, low centre of gravity vehicle like that would react exactly like that. The engine suction was not sufficient to lift it off the ground, but it still snaffled it in the end.

I agree with those that say this was close to a spectacular disaster - if the vehicle (unlikely), or even the lighter weight canopy of it, were ingested, that engine would destruct. Not good on a fueled-up pre-departure aircraft.

The apparent reaction by the driver shows he was definitely conscious, so either he was distracted (texting?) or he was intending to strike the fuselage and the engines influence took him by surprise.
i

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The apparent reaction by the driver shows he was definitely conscious, so either he was distracted (texting?) or he was intending to strike the fuselage and the engines influence took him by surprise.
i

The driver could have suffered a medical incident and be struggling to control the car to avoid the plane. Although that seems less likely than something like texting.

 

[puppysparkes]

I found the accident itself on Instagram here: https://instagram.com/p/BKKgIU1jZUf/

 

[Quickstatus]

The video appears to show an initial tilt to the right as it entered the area of influence of the engine, with a subsequent attempt to swerve left away. A small, high bulk-to-weight ratio, low centre of gravity vehicle like that would react exactly like that. The engine suction was not sufficient to lift it off the ground, but it still snaffled it in the end.


i

Sorry but I only see a left tilt as the car turn right into engine.

Anyway will be interesting to see what the investigation comes up with.
Vehicles like these are restricted to designated pathways and would ordinarily be restricted from other areas of the Tarmac such as this?