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Air India worker is sucked into jet engine and killed instantly at Mumbai airport

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A member of Air India's ground crew has been sucked in to an aircraft's engine and killed instantly. The incident happened earlier today at Mumbai Airport in India while the aircraft was preparing for departure to Hyderabad. The technician was killed after being sucked into the jet engine during push back at 9pm local time. (www.dailymail.co.uk) More...

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spatr
spatr 10
Narrative:

On Dec 17th 2015 India's UPWA (Unemployed Pilot Welfare Association) reported based on initial interviews with their collegues, that the aircraft was being pushed back from bay 28L at Mumbai Airport following a cross bleed engine start, when after the push back got finished the technician/engineer instructed a helper to remove the tow bar with the engineer (56) facing his tow truck and having the engines in his back, his headset was on. In the meantime the crew got taxi clearance, the captain queried with the first officer whether the aircraft was clear, the first officer affirmed, and the aircraft started to move forward with both engines operating. The engineer remained unaware of the aircraft starting to move and was sucked into the right hand engine, the helper, who just spotted the aircraft's movement in time, instantly sat down and was saved that way. The UPWA stated following crucial points: 1) No chocks were applied after push back had stopped, 2) no clearance signals had been issued releasing the aircraft for taxi, 3) lack of proper coordination between the two pilots and ground. The UPWA stressed: "Human Factors playing important role to have patience, avoid hurrying and follow SOPs."
linbb
linbb 9
Reporter was interested in how many were on the flight and if they witnessed it????????Get real not for the public to even worry about worry about the mans family and what they will deal with. In that country the company will just replace him and nothing for the family more than likely.
spdmrcht
Ron Lorenz 2
Agree, Wonder if the Flight was Delayed?
mpmt06
Mark Thomas 5
This incident occurred during push back, at what point does it become dangerous to be standing in front of or near a running engine so that it could lift you off your feet? Condolences to the poor guy and his family.

petesjet1
If I remember correctly, safe distance is 50' in front and 100' back at idle.If you read the article, it sounds like no all clear signal was given because the tow bar was in the process of being removed.
ysfsim
Ant Miraa 3
As a ramp lead hand, I have many concerns here. The biggest one and the most important one is, where was the marshaller? They flight crew can never get the all clear unless the marshaller gives it. Did the pilots even confirm the bypass pin is removed by the "technician"? Or even see the tug leave? Bottom line is that this should have never happend if the marshaller was doing their job. If the pilots also didnt do proper clearance checkes, then they are also a fault. Chocking the nose gear after push back is not a common practice at some bases. We have some airlines that want it done and its not because of this reason. Its a precaution just in case the plane rolls forward if the brakes accidentally releases when the push is complete and engines are starting. There was an accident of that nature before. Just to note, if the crew applies power to the engines, no chock on the nose gear is going to stop the plane.
AWAAlum
AWAAlum 1
I read an earlier report that stated the pilot had misinterpreted a signal from the ground crew and that caused the incident. Now it seems that part of the report is being hushed up. Whatever the cause - it's an horrendously sad event.
tcmarks
Tim Marks 0
Aircraft ground safety rule #1, stay away from propellers and jet intakes. Do they not teach this to their ground crews? You will only make this mistake once and it will not be survivable...
bbabis
bbabis 6
IDK. I saw a video of a Navy ground crew member getting sucked into the intake of an A-6 like a rag doll with flames and sparks flying out the tailpipe only to see the crewman climb back out after the engine shut down. A very lucky fellow.
TailspinT
TailspinT 2
Saw a fireman sucked into an A-7 maw on USS Constellation 1973. He ducked under the nose to check a fuel leak just as pilot came up on power to taxi. Same problem, lack of communication. He survived too, fortunately.
Locket3
Tom Lull 2
The man can thank fixed stator blades for his survival. He still suffered from a collapsed lung,busted ear drums, a ruptured pancreas and I think the loss of a couple fingers.
boughbw
boughbw 1
Wasn't he also wearing a helmet?
ysfsim
Ant Miraa 1
Also the jumpsuit
Ruger9X19
Ruger9X19 3
25ft clear in front 100ft clear aft. minimum. I will admit as a younger mechanic it almost happened to me. Focusing on a task sometimes you loose sight of the things that can kill you. In my case I was outboard of an engine checking an access panel when I noticed someone left a set of chocks out on the ground, I grabbed them turned to toss them over to the GPU cart and when I turned back to the panel it wasn't there but the edge of the nacelle was. Scared the crap out of me.
Dl8698
David Loh 0
My method. After push back stand behind the nose wheels facing backwards. If aircraft starts to taxi lay down flat on ground right on top of the taxi guide line. Provided the aircraft does not have centre gear of course.
denisholleley
guess he was pre-occupied or in a RUSH which I've seen happen

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Ruger9X19
Ruger9X19 16
Sometimes I wish FA would give you the option to delete a post. Truly feel bad about this one.
CaptainFreedom
Your post is insensitive but not as bad as Mr. Leedy's down below. He's at -9 and about to vanish.

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[This comment has been downvoted. Show anyway.]

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