A major explosion was narrowly avoided when, on 2 April 2021, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 (registered 9H-QCJ and operated by Malta Air) collided with four fuel trucks. The accident happened at Malta’s International Airport.
After a month’s long investigation, the Bureau of Air Accident Investigation (BAAI) yesterday published the conclusion on the accident where a towed Ryanair aircraft came loose from its tow and rolled into a row of airport fuel trucks (bowsers).
“Had the aircraft hit the bowser slightly more to the left, it would have cracked it and there could have been a large explosion,” Zammit said to Times of Malta.
Luckily, nobody got injured during the mishap. It did, however, cause a fuel leak on the airport’s asphalt. Two flights were diverted while others were delayed.
The BAAI now concluded that the cause of the accident was identified as a lack of training, clear procedures and an inadequate level of attention given to safety during operation.
Final report: BAAI Final Report 9H-QCJ -02-04-21-PRep.pdf
