Machanic killed, runover during towing operation

[JumpJumpJump]

Mecânico morre após ser atingido por roda de avião no Salgado Filho (http://plantao.rs/38014/agora-no-transito/2016/07/mecanico-morre-ao-ser-atingido-por-roda-de-aviao-no-salgado-filho/)

A mechanic has died today in Porto Alegre, in the south of Brazil.

Early reports state that he was sheltering from a rain shower under the wing in front of the wheels, the person towing didn't see him and his leg was crushed by the wheels, necessitating an amputation. He later died from his injuries in hospital.

More info when I hear more.

[Basil]

Dreadful! As someone who had a few close calls in industry* I'd say you have to be aware, all the time, everywhere.

*Much more so than Army or RAF (AFAIK)

[TURIN]

Poor bugger. There for the grace of etc.

[Uplinker]

But how could the victim not have noticed the airplane was being connected to a tug, or the activity of personnel around the aircraft prior to the tow? And how did the tow crew not notice a guy sitting leaning against the front of the main-wheel as they checked/removed the chocks? Where was their walk around/safety check?

[jugofpropwash]

You really would think that the guy would have noticed that they were preparing to move the plane. Maybe was planning to wait out the rain, and fell asleep? If he was leaning against the side of the wheel and they checked/removed the chocks from the other side - perhaps half-arsed the walk around if it was raining and they didn't want to get soaked...

[tdracer]

Something like that happened on the Boeing flight line in Everett a few years ago - they were moving a 787 and somehow a mechanic's legs got run over. He survived but his legs had to be amputated.
It just takes the wrong moment of carelessness.

[Check Airman]

Here's the report in English from Avherald

Accident: LATAM A321 at Porto Alegre on Jul 12th 2016, main gear rolls over mechanic (http://avherald.com/h?article=49b0c92a&opt=0)

I'm having trouble envisioning this accident though. In what position would he be standing for the tyre to remove his leg? I can see his foot being crushed, but how does one position oneself for a tyre to roll over anything other than a foot?

The push back commenced taking the mechanic on the ground by surprise, the left main gear rolled over the man and separated his left leg in its entirety

[oleostrut]

Delta at ATL had the same type accident about 20 years ago. I know the family well.

He was a mechanic and would have known the danger. He lived but it was a double amputation above the knee.

Something with as much mass as an airliner is very dangerous when moving, even very slowly.