An American Airlines airplane parked at the gate “ingested” a ground worker who was critically hurt on the ramp of the Alabama regional airport, according to officials.
The Embraer 170 had its parking brake set when the worker was sucked into the engine at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Montgomery Regional Airport, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Envoy Air, an entirely owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, ran the trip out of Dallas.
The airport provided only the information that the victim was employed by Piedmont Airlines, another minor airline operated by American.
The executive director of the airport, Wade Davis, issued a statement saying, “We are heartbroken to learn about the unfortunate loss of a team member of the AA/Piedmont Airlines.”
“During this trying time, our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” he continued.
American Airlines expressed its devastation at the occurrence in a statement.
The corporation added, denying additional comment while the inquiry is ongoing, “We are committed on ensuring that all affected receive the support they need during this difficult time.”
The investigation is being carried out by the NTSB and the Federal Aviation Administration.
When a jet engine is running, the air being drawn into the intake can create a low air pressure environment that can draw persons in the immediate vicinity into the rotating blades.
According to High Sky Flying, cones are used to delineate the hazard areas when the aircraft is parked. The sizes of the cones are specified in the operating manual of the aircraft.
According to the website, the hazard area for an Airbus A320 is 14 feet in front of and on either side of the engine inlet.
Because they are informed about the risks and how to avoid them, ground workers are rarely drawn into engines.
Details about the accident and the deceased ground worker have not been made public.
A request for comment from the NTSB did not receive a prompt response.
»Ground worker ingested into engine of an American Airlines«