Air Transat CC falls from Aircraft
Thread Starter
Air Transat CC falls from Aircraft
Heard a rumour that a stewardess was badly injured after falling out of an aeroplane at MAN today.
A quick search on PPRUNE revealed nothing.
Just curious as the fate of this poor soul varies from 'minor broken bones' to 'dead on arrival at hospital.'
Chinese whispers!!
A quick search on PPRUNE revealed nothing.
Just curious as the fate of this poor soul varies from 'minor broken bones' to 'dead on arrival at hospital.'
Chinese whispers!!
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It's true I'm afraid. She fell from the rear door of an A330 after the ground crew removed the steps.
Apparently she has a broken leg and arm. Could have been a lot worse obviously but a big question mark must be aimed at the ground crew for removing the steps without advising the cabin crew.
Apparently she has a broken leg and arm. Could have been a lot worse obviously but a big question mark must be aimed at the ground crew for removing the steps without advising the cabin crew.
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It was only a matter of time!. The amount of times I have bo****ked people for this
By the way it's only a matter of time before one of the people who put the traffic cones in front of the engines gets ingested. I have had two incidents of them getting FAR to close to a running engine recently. (Both blokes informed of thier mistakes and the events reported to airport safety!)
I hope that the person hurt in the fall is O.K.
Rgds Dr. I.
"Lets all be careful out there"
By the way it's only a matter of time before one of the people who put the traffic cones in front of the engines gets ingested. I have had two incidents of them getting FAR to close to a running engine recently. (Both blokes informed of thier mistakes and the events reported to airport safety!)
I hope that the person hurt in the fall is O.K.
Rgds Dr. I.
"Lets all be careful out there"
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It is truly saddening to hear that another of those so preventable accidents happened 
Some months ago an AF CC fell to her death from a 320, leaving her husband and two toddler children. Just because someone didn't bother to let the CC know they were taking the stairs away. They have introduced new, safer stairs since, and reinforced the procedures.
Let's hope the Air Transat CC will get well soon.
Some months ago an AF CC fell to her death from a 320, leaving her husband and two toddler children. Just because someone didn't bother to let the CC know they were taking the stairs away. They have introduced new, safer stairs since, and reinforced the procedures.
Let's hope the Air Transat CC will get well soon.
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Far be it from me to question the moderator's decision to move this thread but falling out of a open door can happen to anybody, not just cabin crew. May I respectfully ask that this thread is moved back to the rumours and news forum.
Rgds Dr. I.
Rgds Dr. I.
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The thread was moved by the R&N Mods, however a redirect remains there so that the thread may be followed from that forum. A move to another forum does not represent a dilution of importance: It is simply good housekeeping. The CC forum is read by a wide number of visitors from all areas of the industry, not solely Cabin Crew.
Point taken that falling can happen to anybody: However, in this instance, as all too frequently, it was a CC involved, and this is also reflected in the
title that was given to the thread.
Ground Handling at many UK airports has (in my view) deteriorated over the past 5 years, not helped by ever decreasing turnaround times and equipment that is being used well past its' sell-by date. I'm saddened, but not surprised when people are hurt: I'm surprised that it doesn't happen more often!
Naturally, all of us I'm sure wish this poor person a speedy recovery and no lasting illeffects.
Point taken that falling can happen to anybody: However, in this instance, as all too frequently, it was a CC involved, and this is also reflected in the
Air Transat CC falls from Aircraft
Ground Handling at many UK airports has (in my view) deteriorated over the past 5 years, not helped by ever decreasing turnaround times and equipment that is being used well past its' sell-by date. I'm saddened, but not surprised when people are hurt: I'm surprised that it doesn't happen more often!
Naturally, all of us I'm sure wish this poor person a speedy recovery and no lasting illeffects.
The Reverend
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More years ago than I care to remember, one of our Japanese cabin crew ran back up the rear mobile stairs of a Convair 880 at Haneda to retrive her handbag which she left behind on a terminating flight. Unbeknowns to her, the stairs were driven away and she plunged to the ground as she left the aircraft. Intensive care and several fractures later, she lived to fly another day. Lovely girl she was, bless you Aki.
Even at an earlier date, a Qantas flight steward came out for a breather at Paya Lebar Singapore and lent against the retractable panel at the top of the mobile steps at the rear door of a 707. The panel collapsed and the flight steward fell backwards, landing on his head on the tarmac below. Tragically, he did not survive his injuries.
Even at an earlier date, a Qantas flight steward came out for a breather at Paya Lebar Singapore and lent against the retractable panel at the top of the mobile steps at the rear door of a 707. The panel collapsed and the flight steward fell backwards, landing on his head on the tarmac below. Tragically, he did not survive his injuries.
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This has happened before at MAN, several years a BA CC fell from a LGW 737 after the rear steps were taken away. The really ironic thing, apart from that she died later in hospital, was her brother was the F/O on that flight.
After this I know several engineers had taken it upon themselves to repremand the handlers over unsafe practices, only to get grief from the said individuals.
They then went on to kill a Crossair Captain with a baggage truck and serverly incapatate another Britania Captain and F/O, now they are back with tying to kill CC again.
This is the sad side of the free market, when you get low life who don't care, responsable for other peoples lives and safety.
After this I know several engineers had taken it upon themselves to repremand the handlers over unsafe practices, only to get grief from the said individuals.
They then went on to kill a Crossair Captain with a baggage truck and serverly incapatate another Britania Captain and F/O, now they are back with tying to kill CC again.
This is the sad side of the free market, when you get low life who don't care, responsable for other peoples lives and safety.
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A BA new entrant CC fell from a 737 in CDG a couple of years ago-as she started closing her door the stairs were removed without notice-and since then the rules have changed in my company.
In Theory the ground staff should come to the door, ask permission to remove the stairs to the crew responsible for that door, release the gust lock and help the crew close it. Not because we can't do it on our own, but because we can't "walk in" those heavy doors anyway, we have to keep our feet inside the plane for safety reasons thus making the whole process more difficult on our backs.
Too many times though (especially in airports like AMS, FCO, VRN etc) the ground staff decide to ignore this procedure, which is annoying and dangerous. Once I found myself being carried away by the steps at the back while breathing a bit of fresh air during the turn around!! Thank god I was completely "outside" and could hang on to the handrails till my squeaky voice attracted the attention of the cleaners. The Captain that day issued the biggest b***ocking to the ground staff I've ever seen in my flying career!!!
FBW
In Theory the ground staff should come to the door, ask permission to remove the stairs to the crew responsible for that door, release the gust lock and help the crew close it. Not because we can't do it on our own, but because we can't "walk in" those heavy doors anyway, we have to keep our feet inside the plane for safety reasons thus making the whole process more difficult on our backs.
Too many times though (especially in airports like AMS, FCO, VRN etc) the ground staff decide to ignore this procedure, which is annoying and dangerous. Once I found myself being carried away by the steps at the back while breathing a bit of fresh air during the turn around!! Thank god I was completely "outside" and could hang on to the handrails till my squeaky voice attracted the attention of the cleaners. The Captain that day issued the biggest b***ocking to the ground staff I've ever seen in my flying career!!!
FBW
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Very sad to hear about this. However not too surprised after watching the way the ground crews often manoeuvre the steps.
Without turning this into a witchhunt, has anyone any serious ideas how this could be stopped?
I'm of the opinion that there should be some way of actually attaching the top of the steps to the inside of the aircraft that sounds a warning if they try and move it. For example if the retactable strap linked onto the steps and sounded off when they were pulled away without it being disconnected. A bit like the girt bar blowing a slide if it is not disarmed.
Without turning this into a witchhunt, has anyone any serious ideas how this could be stopped?
I'm of the opinion that there should be some way of actually attaching the top of the steps to the inside of the aircraft that sounds a warning if they try and move it. For example if the retactable strap linked onto the steps and sounded off when they were pulled away without it being disconnected. A bit like the girt bar blowing a slide if it is not disarmed.
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This hazard is addressed in CAP 642 'Airside Safety Management' and should be covered in the operator's turnround plan required under HSE document HSG209.
There have been enough injuries and near-misses that every operator should know by now they must manage this risk via operating procedures, training and supervision of the ramp workforce.
Our own company procedure is very clear. No one removes stairs or airbridges until they have communicated with the cabin crew and have been given explicit permission to do so.
The HSE views falls from height as a priority for their inspectors. It will be interesting to see if an investigation commences.
There have been enough injuries and near-misses that every operator should know by now they must manage this risk via operating procedures, training and supervision of the ramp workforce.
Our own company procedure is very clear. No one removes stairs or airbridges until they have communicated with the cabin crew and have been given explicit permission to do so.
The HSE views falls from height as a priority for their inspectors. It will be interesting to see if an investigation commences.
The Reverend
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Simple, before driving away the steps from an open door, make the driver go up and pull the door safety strap across or close the door. Too easy I guess.
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This as mentioned is covered it is indeed part of BA's operating procedures that doors are neither closed / opened without the presence of stairs / jetty. If CC see it being done, report this issue every time. I can comment that BA is reasonably disciplined with this task. However at LHR and many other stations some airlines/ ground service groups seem to delight in having doors open without stairs / jetty. Finally, the strap is merely in place as a visible reminder, to take care if the position is unattended it will not save anyone from falling. None of this is of any help to this CC member.
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Why can't they have some attachment on the stairs or jetty that hooks onto the aircraft but cannot be released except by the cabin staff or ground engineers.
Then staff can't remove the stairs without someone knowing.
Ron
Then staff can't remove the stairs without someone knowing.
Ron
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We can cross continents and oceans, climb to 36,000 feet and above, year-on-year create more powerful and efficient powerplants. Yes, the achievements of the aerospace industry are phenomenal. However, for all this, it still grinds me that aircraft manufacturers choose, for financial reasons, not to allow designers to create a safe entry/exit system for their aircraft.
Thus, the onus is on airline and handling agent management to set down agreed procedures to ensure that all staff are trained in accordance with these procedures, and let staff be under no illusion that criminal action will be taken against those responsible for injuring/killing co-workers - the prospect of going to prison might persuade them not to be so reckless.
Surely this is not beyond the abilities of said management? It's not exactly rocket science, is it?
Why doesn't a hostie start a thread on this forum allowing all cabin crew to give examples of scenarios where their lives are being put at risk and what they think could be done to address this issue? CC could even state at what airport such negligence occurs and what conversations took place with the handling agents. Surely this has got to be at the top of your agendas, way above pay, routes, uniforms, ugly pax, etc?
Obviously, individuals can't be named but I leave it up to the discretion of the moderators whether handling company names can. The thread should not be a headhunt, nor should it be about settling old scores - it should be about preventing fellow CC being injured or killed in the future. I think you owe that to the memory of all colleagues who are no longer with you due to falling from aircraft.
I am sure that CC are not all innocent and have caused accidents in the past, through conversation or actions, so I invite handling agents to also state where they believe the problem lies, giving examples where appropriate. To aid balance, they may also name the airlines involved but, again, no individuals, please.
May I ask all posters not to allow what I'm sure could be a very emotive thread from turning into an abusive one? - a point deleted by a moderator is a point not made.
Finally, in the words of that Hill Street Blues Sergeant......."let's be careful out there"
VC10 Rib22
Thus, the onus is on airline and handling agent management to set down agreed procedures to ensure that all staff are trained in accordance with these procedures, and let staff be under no illusion that criminal action will be taken against those responsible for injuring/killing co-workers - the prospect of going to prison might persuade them not to be so reckless.
Surely this is not beyond the abilities of said management? It's not exactly rocket science, is it?
Why doesn't a hostie start a thread on this forum allowing all cabin crew to give examples of scenarios where their lives are being put at risk and what they think could be done to address this issue? CC could even state at what airport such negligence occurs and what conversations took place with the handling agents. Surely this has got to be at the top of your agendas, way above pay, routes, uniforms, ugly pax, etc?
Obviously, individuals can't be named but I leave it up to the discretion of the moderators whether handling company names can. The thread should not be a headhunt, nor should it be about settling old scores - it should be about preventing fellow CC being injured or killed in the future. I think you owe that to the memory of all colleagues who are no longer with you due to falling from aircraft.
I am sure that CC are not all innocent and have caused accidents in the past, through conversation or actions, so I invite handling agents to also state where they believe the problem lies, giving examples where appropriate. To aid balance, they may also name the airlines involved but, again, no individuals, please.
May I ask all posters not to allow what I'm sure could be a very emotive thread from turning into an abusive one? - a point deleted by a moderator is a point not made.
Finally, in the words of that Hill Street Blues Sergeant......."let's be careful out there"
VC10 Rib22