A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A350-941 struck a jet bridge at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport while parking on stand 250 on Friday, May 2. The A350 arrived at 11:34 am local time and taxied to its designated gate without any issue. The aircraft suffered a suspected mechanical fault, and the left wing hit a jet bridge.
The pilots deployed the reverse thrusters, likely to counter the unexpected issue. The aircraft moved forward for a second time before striking the jet bridge and coming to a stop. The 5-year-old aircraft, registered B-324W, was operating flight MU5406 from Chengdu Shuangliu.
Reverse thrusters on commercial aircraft deploy during landing to help slow the aircraft down. In this case, the pilots appear to have used the reverse thrusters deliberately and outside of protocol to avoid a more serious incident.
China Eastern Airlines apologised on its Sina Weibo account on Saturday. The carrier said a mechanical malfunction occurred during slow taxi, and the flight crew followed established procedures. It further described the incident as minor and confirmed all passengers disembarked safely.
The aircraft remains grounded at Shanghai Hongqiao for inspection and repairs.
What could have caused this incident?
While it is important not to speculate with any aviation incident, regardless of severity, there are a few possible causes for the incident, ranging from thrust malfunction, brake failure or a hydraulic issue.
A brake system failure
If the aircraft’s brakes failed during the final phase of taxi, the pilots would have few options but to use reverse thrust to stop the aircraft. The A350 has multiple redundant braking systems, including normal, alternate and emergency brakes, so a complete failure is rare but not unprecedented.
A social media post claims the aircraft suffered multiple brake faults during parking. If the X post below can be verified, brake failure becomes the most plausible cause.
A throttle or thrust control malfunction
The Airbus A350 uses FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), which manages engine power electronically. The aircraft moved forward twice with the reverse thrusters deployed in between. A FADEC fault, a stuck throttle quadrant, or an autothrust disengagement failure could have caused the incident.
Hydraulic system issue
The A350 uses hybrid hydraulic and electric systems. A hydraulic failure affecting the brakes, nosewheel steering, or thrust reversers could result in erratic ground handling. This theory could also explain why the aircraft is still grounded, rather than returned to service quickly.
Less likely causes
The last two theories are less likely given the evidence already available, and that a suspected mechanical issue has been reported.
If the gate’s visual docking system gave incorrect instructions, the wing could clip the jet bridge. However, this would not normally cause a second forward movement.
The pilots’ decision to use reverse thrust suggests they were responding to an emergency rather than mishandling the aircraft. Investigators will examine the cockpit voice and flight data recorders. The early indications point away from pilot error as the primary cause.
China Eastern is a Five-Star Safety Rated airline
As part of its global safety ratings, AirlineRatings.com rates China Eastern Airlines as a Five-Star safety-rated airline. This is based on numerous factors, including IOSA registration, EU flight bans and operating safety standards.
China Eastern Airlines has had a fatal crash in the last decade and has had several pilot-related incidents. With these two factors, China Eastern Airlines has had two stars deducted from its safety rating.
Before altering China Eastern Airlines’ safety rating, AirlineRatings.com will wait for the final report to become publicly available.
Suggested read: China Eastern Review: Acceptable but Unremarkable
Safety culture will be in question
The latest incident will raise fresh questions about China Eastern Airlines’ safety and operational performance, regardless of the outcome. With a runway incident in Singapore and the fatal crash in 2022, the airline must address its safety culture as investigators prepare a final report on the Shanghai incident.
AirlineRatings.com will continue to monitor the investigation and report on the findings.
Have questions or want to share your thoughts?
