Investigation Overview
The investigation into an accident involving a ramp agent working near a propeller-driven airplane has concluded with several findings. The ramp agent had received both training and experience in working around propeller-driven aircraft. Coworkers described the individual as safety-conscious and a hard worker, and the carelessness exhibited during the accident was characterized as inadvertent and out of character.
Contributing Factors
According to the investigation, the surface of the ramp was not a factor in the accident. However, the ramp agent was at the end of his shift on a very hot day. Additionally, the agent was taking medication for a medical condition that had the potential to impair judgment. These conditions may have played a role in the incident.
Personnel Background
Statements from coworkers substantiated the finding that the ramp agent’s usual behavior was safety-conscious. The investigation did not attribute the incident to any systemic failures or environmental hazards beyond the personal factors noted.
Conclusion
The investigation did not assign a probable cause for the accident, but rather highlighted the combination of end-of-shift fatigue, high temperature, and medication as factors that could have contributed to the inadvertent carelessness.