Summary
A flight attendant sustained multiple fractures and a concussion after falling from an aircraft door onto the tarmac. The incident occurred when the flight attendant opened the forward entry door after the jetway had been retracted from the aircraft.
Incident Details
The airplane was parked and ready for pushback when a 'B' flight attendant informed an 'A' flight attendant that a thru passenger reported that the cabin cleaning crew had mistakenly removed the passenger's child's stuffed animal. The passenger wanted the item returned. In response, the 'A' flight attendant opened the forward entry door after the jetway had already backed away from the airplane.
Upon opening the door, the flight attendant either lost balance or did not realize that the jetway was no longer in position. He fell 8 feet, 3 inches to the tarmac below. The fall resulted in fractures to both wrists and his jaw, as well as a concussion.
Aftermath
According to the company's chief flight attendant, the injured flight attendant violated company policy and procedures by opening the cabin door prior to the jetway being placed in position. No further details about the flight attendant's condition or the incident were provided in the source.
Probable Cause
The source does not state a probable cause for the accident. However, it notes that the flight attendant's actions were contrary to company policy.