Date: 201705
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Aircraft: Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight phase: Parked
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Ramp; Vehicle Driver
Anomaly: Ground Event / Encounter Vehicle
Detector: Person Ground Personnel
When detected: Taxi
Contributing factors: Human Factors; Staffing
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: I was towing an aircraft into remote parking and I misjudged the distance of the stair truck striking the left Scimitar wing. I recognize my judgment error but I want to make sure everyone understands all the circumstances that contributed to this event to prevent future accidents from occurring. I have learned a great deal from this event and I can serve as role model for all my co-workers to understand how important it is to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and not to allow yourself to develop bad habits. I typically work [another] team and in our station; ZZZ we experience an operational increase every winter season. This increase requires a significant increase in towing. This year the towing program was challenged by many factors: Not enough qualified [personnel] or willing to tow causing a shortage every nightNot enough staffing to provide two wing walkers during the towingThe challenges created a problem for all of us so I was willing to help by volunteering to tow every night. Where I thought I was helping the operation; I was unwittingly developing an unsafe habit due to unrecognized contributing factors.Tow Team - Every night the manpower sheet identified the tow team for Remain Over Night (RON) aircraft as a two Ramp Service Employees (RSE) team. Since we often leave the tractor at the site the second person has to drive a van to pick you up. The van driver cannot follow the tow team and it is impossible for them to get there when the aircraft arrives. Although many of us expressed concerns over this; we complied. I never realized until now how important it was to have a third person. By having a third person someone can accompany you on the tractor while the third person picks you up. This reduces the unnecessary pressure you encounter when being escorted. [This FBO] often puts pressure on you when you arrive at the site. They are always short staffed for escorts and they will let you know they are not happy they have to wait for the guide person to arrive. The third person can serve as a second wing-walker if you have to push back the aircraft into position especially between two other planes.The location where I was towing to; generally has two spots. I say generally because there is no clearly identified 'Lead In' line or 'Operational Safety Zones' identified. Additionally; the area has no lighting. This is not unique to remote parking. Remote parking have a similar challenge. If you are first aircraft to arrive at [primary ramp]; the area is a wide open space without obstructions that allows you to just pull in. That's exactly what I did. I was the first tow; and since I did not want to deal with the [FBO] comments; I pulled in. At [the ramp]; the stair truck is always parked next to the building out of the way so it would not interfere with any aircraft. On that day it was not properly parked; it was dusk and although I noticed it; I made a judgment error by pulling in.




Synopsis: Ramp Service Employee reported striking a stair truck with the aircraft winglet while towing an aircraft to a remote parking spot.