On November 13, 1992, a Boeing 757-232 (registration N619DL) operated by Delta Airlines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airline's ground operations manual and training of ground personnel did not include procedures to assure that wing walkers and other ground personnel were clear of the landing gear, and in the proper position, prior to the beginning of pushback. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 14 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During pushback, a ground crewman's leg was caught under the left main landing gear wheel. Investigation found that the airline's manual and training lacked procedures to ensure personnel were clear before pushback.
Incident Details
A ground crewman was serving as a wing walker during pushback operations from a terminal gate. While still in the process of removing a wheel chock from behind the left main landing gear, the pushback began. As the aircraft started rolling backwards, the crewman's leg was caught under the wheel.
Investigation Findings
The investigation into the incident revealed that the airline's ground operations manual and training for ground personnel did not include procedures to ensure that wing walkers and other ground staff were clear of the landing gear and in the proper position before the commencement of pushback. The absence of such protocols was noted in the official report.
Probable cause
The airline's ground operations manual and training of ground personnel did not include procedures to assure that wing walkers and other ground personnel were clear of the landing gear, and in the proper position, prior to the beginning of pushback.
