On March 6, 1998, a Douglas DC-10-30F (registration N303FE) was involved in an aviation accident near Memphis, TN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ground personnel (an equipment loader) failed to follow established written procedures (ramp safety policy), resulting in a pressurized entry door being opened before it was fully depressurized, subsequently injurying the equipment loader. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An equipment loader was knocked off a loader after attempting to open an airplane's door while the cabin was depressurizing, before the rotating beacon was turned off.
Incident Description
An equipment loader attempted to activate the entry door of an airplane with a pressurized cabin. The attempt occurred before the airplane's rotating beacon was turned off. As the cabin was being depressurized, the door opened, and the equipment loader was knocked off the loader.
Company Ramp Safety Policy
Company ramp safety policy stated that personnel should not approach an arriving aircraft until it had come to a complete stop at its parking position, the engines had been shut down, the wheels chocked, and the red rotating beacons turned off.
Investigation Findings
Investigation revealed that the aircraft had a malfunction of the pressurization outflow valve while conducting engine shutdown procedures on the parking ramp.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 6 Mar 1998 Douglas DC-10-30F accident near Memphis, TN?
An equipment loader was knocked off a loader after attempting to open an airplane's door while the cabin was depressurizing, before the rotating beacon was turned off.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Mar 1998 Douglas DC-10-30F accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Mar 1998 involved a Douglas DC-10-30F, registration N303FE, at Memphis, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
ground personnel (an equipment loader) failed to follow established written procedures (ramp safety policy), resulting in a pressurized entry door being opened before it was fully depressurized, subsequently injurying the equipment loader. The malfunctioning outflow valve was a related factor.
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