Ground Service Worker Ejected from Loader During Aircraft Door Opening

Casualties unknown • Memphis, TN, US

An equipment loader operator was knocked off their vehicle when an aircraft door opened during a period of cabin depressurization on the parking ramp.

What happened

While an aircraft was undergoing engine shutdown procedures on the parking ramp, an equipment loader operator attempted to open the entry door. At the time of the attempt, the aircraft's red rotating beacons were still active. As the cabin underwent depressurization, the door opened with enough force to knock the operator off the equipment loader.

Company ramp safety policy requires that personnel do not approach an arriving aircraft until it has reached a complete stop at its designated parking position, engines are shut down, wheels are chocked, and the red rotating beacons have been turned off.

Probable cause

A malfunction of the aircraft's pressurization outflow valve during engine shutdown procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-03-06 Douglas DC-10-30F accident near Memphis, TN?

An equipment loader operator was knocked off their vehicle when an aircraft door opened during a period of cabin depressurization on the parking ramp.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-03-06 involved a Douglas DC-10-30F, registration N303FE, at Memphis, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A malfunction of the aircraft's pressurization outflow valve during engine shutdown procedures.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09740. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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