As two pilots were disembarking from a condensate tanker, the pilot ladder failed. Both pilots were unharmed, but the failure of the side rope created a dangerous situation, IMCA informed.
The incident
While two pilots were disembarking from a condensate tanker, the right anterior side rope of a pilot ladder failed.
The structural stability of the ladder was visually assessed by the first pilot who determined that it was satisfactory. For his part, the second pilot disembarked without incident.
Further inspection of the failed ladder revealed a parted side rope, which had impacted the stability of the ladder.
An incident did not take place this time, but the failure of the side rope created an unsafe condition for pilot transfer, and consequently a high potential hazard.
Probable cause
According to IMCA, the following contributed to the incident:
- The pilot ladder side rope had been weakened due to mould;
- Inspections that were in place were ineffective.
Lessons learned
After the incident the following were learned:
- A close visual inspection by trained personnel could have noticed the damage;
- Improvement needs to be made to the ladder inspection processes;
- Update knowledge on finding faults with pilot ladders and rope damage;
- Change the pilot transfer procedure and review alternative methods.
