Groundcrew loses legs in CPH
 

Politiken.dk reports that a 58 year old groundcrew had his legs crushed by a SAS A340. Police stated that groundcrew is supposed to remain clear of planes while in motion, but in this instance he didn't.

The A340 was being towed into a hangar. A staffmember, who was tasked with placing chocks on the main-gear wheels, approached the aircraft before it had come to a complete stop and was "caught" by the gear and dragged under it, resulting in both legs being crushed and in need of amputation below the knees.

At an age of 58, and considering SAS hasn't hired for years, one can safely assume this was a very experienced staffmember. Only goes to prove that experience is no match for complacancy and that, sometimes, experience breeds complacancy. It's almost never the FNGs who're having accidents; it's "always" the old and experienced hands.

It sounds very similar to the very eperienced SAA engineer who suffered a similar fate at JNB about 5 years ago when he walked underneath a BA747 that was pulling onto the ramp.

It is a real shame that we don't learn enough from the mistakes of others.

I wish him, his family, friends and colleagues all the best.

similar incident happened at Johannesburg (ORTIA) when a SAA engineer got dragged under BA747-400 as it was being marshalled in to a stop.

The ensuing blood pressure build up from the injury also caused brain swelling and blindness to the indivudual here.

not a nice thing to happen, turn your back once is all that is required.

You gotta keep your eyes and ears open all the time.

Look at these guys....phew!!!!

YouTube - No, the Little One Pulls the Big One

Some airlines emphasize "experience commenserate with age" but they completely miss the point that it is usually the lack of sound judgement, not experience, which is a major cause of aviation accidents worldwide.

Nevertheless, I feel sorry for the guy - hope his mind can handle it.

I wonder what this poor guys working pattern had been in the lead up to the incedent. Fatigue seems rife in the industry of late, would be interesting to know if it contributed to this incedent.

Much sympathy with the unfortunate victim.
English reference:
Police investigate after SAS A340 runs over ground worker

When I taxy into the stand it is frequent thand ground staff crosses in front of the nose gear! Do they know it' s dangerous? And forbidden?
Is it a bad habit? Poor training? Complacency certainly as well...It' s a shame to see such poor standards in Europe!

Id agree with complacency. " ive been doing this years ...nothings ever blah blah blah". The new boys start of wary, then they see the old timers doing it, and think it must be ok. you just can never take your eye off of the ball where aircraft are concerned..they WILL bite you on the ass. Get as well as you can soon mate