Airport worker killed after being ‘ingested’ into plane engine on runway

26 June 2023 , 07:58

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A worker was sucked into the engine of a Delta airlines plane (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Officials are investigating the horror death of a ground worker who was "ingested" into the engine of a plane at a Texas airport.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is looking into what happened at San Antonio International Airport on Friday after the worker was sucked into a Delta Air Lines aircraft.

"On Friday, June 23, Delta Flight 1111 had arrived at San Antonio International Airport from Los Angeles and was taxiing to the gate on one engine when a worker was ingested into that engine at about 10.25pm," the NTSB said in a statement.

The airport has said it is working with the NTSB in its investigation.

Spokesperson Erin Rodriguez said the airport was "deeply saddened" by what happened, CNN reported.

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"An accident occurred on the ground at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) Friday night that resulted in the fatality of an airline ground crew member," Rodriguez said.

The NTSB is investigating (Ken5.com)

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and are working with authorities as they begin their investigation. We will share more information as details become available.”

Delta Air Lines said it was "heartbroken and grieving" the loss of the airport worker.

In a statement, Delta said: "We are heartbroken and grieving the loss of an aviation family member’s life in San Antonio. Our hearts and full support are with their family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."

'We are heartbroken,' Delta said (Ken5.com)

It comes after a subsidiary of American Airlines was slapped with a $15,000 fine after a ground crew worker, a mum of three, was sucked into the engine of a plane on New Year's Eve.

Courtney Edwards, 34, was “ingested into the engine” at Montgomery Regional Airport, Alabama, on December 31 last year.

The mum was "on the ramp at Montgomery Regional Airport where American Airlines Flight 3408, an Embraer E175, was parked" when the horror incident occurred.

The airline was found responsible for the safety breach that led to Courtney's death.

Her union, the Communication Workers of America (CWA), released a statement that said the OSHA ruled Piedmont Airlines "is guilty of a serious breach."

After the incident, American Airlines released a statement: “We are devastated by the accident involving a team member of Piedmont Airlines, an American Airlines regional carrier, at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM).

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members.”

The CWA added: "OSHA also found that the lack of effective training, clear and unambiguous communication on the ramp, and clear instructions from supervisors as to when it is safe to approach an aircraft were deficiencies that contributed to Courtney Edwards's preventable death."

Benjamin Lynch