How not to park a 737

[Ryan]

Just been sent these photos of a Boeing 737 that tried to reverse on a taxiway and instead managed to end up in a ditch



















Essentially.. the aircraft was taxxing in bad Vis, and the taxiway markings and signs were well, obscured by bush etc....

The crew missed their turning point and the taxiway narrowed into what appears to be a road with a T-junction.

Instead of shutting down and waiting for a tractor to come push them back, they tried a reverse 3 point turn (or that was the intention), which is not a prohibited ground maneuver, provided you have sufficient feet on the ground (wing walkers) to help keep the aircraft clear of obstacles.

No wing walkers = down the embankment = written off 737.

[Mark 4]

Whoops, looks like the kind of thing that I would do.

[lancerevo3]

wouldnt like to be the pilot

[Ryan]

wouldnt like to be the pilot

Me neither, apparently he was a hightime retired airline guy. The plane has already been written off unfortunately and while it may look repairable, there has been extensive damage to the underside as well as the engines.

[GalantOnly]

He's just out of practice. He should do that more often