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Casualties unknown

2003-09-02: Fairchild DORNIER 328-300 (N413FJ) — Atlantic Coast Airlines — Hebron, KY

Hebron, KY, US

On September 2, 2003, a Fairchild DORNIER 328-300 (registration N413FJ) operated by Atlantic Coast Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Hebron, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The passenger's inadvertent fall while attempting to board. A factor was the lack of a company requirement for a person to assist passengers in boarding the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A passenger lost balance while boarding an aircraft after stepping on the air stair. Step height varied between 10.25 and 12.75 inches depending on load. The handrail did not extend to the bottom step, and company policy required assistance only for deplaning.

Incident Description

A passenger attempted to board an airplane via the air stair door. As she raised her foot to step onto the first step, she placed her foot back on the ground and subsequently lost her balance.

Aircraft Step Measurements

Measurements of the step revealed that its height above the ground varied depending on passenger and baggage load. The step height ranged from 10.25 inches to 12.75 inches.

Handrail Configuration

The air stair door was equipped with a single handrail on the right side of the stairs. This handrail did not extend to the bottom step.

Company Procedures

The company station manual required a person to stand by at the bottom of the stairs to assist passengers during deplaning. However, this assistance was not required during passenger boarding.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031017X01759. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.