Casualties unknown

Toddler Falls Through Gap Between Aircraft and Catering Truck During Deplaning (N71SW)

Dallas, TX, US

On January 27, 1995, a Boeing 737-2H4 (registration N71SW) was involved in an aviation accident near Dallas, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS' LACK OF SUPERVISION OF DEPLANING PASSENGERS. A FACTOR WAS LACK OF SUPERVISION BY ACCIDENT VICTIMS MOTHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-2H4
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A four-year-old boy fell through a nine-inch gap between an airplane and a catering truck while deplaning with his mother, who was carrying multiple items and another child.

What happened

During the deplaning process, a four-year-old boy exited the aircraft through the galley servicing door. As he stepped out, he fell through a nine-inch gap that existed between the airplane and a catering truck positioned alongside it.

The incident occurred while the child's mother was attempting to disembark. She had her arms fully occupied with another child, a carry-on bag, a diaper bag, and her purse. Three crew members were assisting her at the time of the fall.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X02869. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.