Who, What, Why: How Easy Is It To Push A Plane?

Source BBC News
Dec. 1, 2014
A passenger was quoted as saying that they had been asked to help, and had pushed it 'about 5 meters, maybe more.' But the local authorities have cast doubt on the story.
A passenger was quoted as saying that they had been asked to help, and had pushed it "about 5 meters, maybe more." But the local authorities have cast doubt on the story.

The story of passengers pushing a frozen Siberian plane soon went viral. But was it really possible, asks Tom de Castella.

"Siberians are so tough that for them pushing a frozen plane along a runway is a piece of cake," the Russian daily newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda reported. The 30 tonne UTair Tupolev 134 refused to move, reportedly because the wrong grease had been applied, leaving the brake pads frozen in the minus 52C temperature.

Some of the passengers sprang into action, allegedly pushing the plane backwards until its wheels were able to turn and a tow truck could take over.

More details here.

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Related

Evident Shares How Using NDT for Aircraft Inspections Saves MROs Time and Money
Electric GSE Adoption Moves Ahead Despite Shifting U.S. Policy