Eyes Wide Open

Recently, I witnessed a ground collision between an airliner and a baggage tug. While I tend to be rather stoic in such matters, in retrospect this incident left me surprisingly rattled.As Ive previously mentioned in these pages, by night Im editor of this magazine, but by day I wear the hat of an airline pilot.

Key Takeaways:

• An airline pilot witnessed a ground collision after his own momentary hesitation led a trailing aircraft to cut a corner, prompting a profound reflection on accident causation.
• The author concluded that accidents frequently occur during routine operations due to complacency, as vigilance can wane when tasks seem familiar, unlike difficult situations where senses are heightened.
• He resolved to maintain deliberate taxiing practices and actively guard against complacency at all airports, advising other pilots to prioritize patience and safety over minor delays caused by hesitant colleagues.

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