Incident Description
A charter flight was preparing for departure as an on-demand air taxi operation. The operator reported that boarding had been completed and the portable airstairs had been pushed back, but the engines were not running. As an approaching storm brought gusty winds and heavy rain, the mechanic was directed to secure the cabin door to prevent additional rain from soaking the main entrance and galley area.
Passengers seated in row 1 of the main cabin witnessed the event. According to their accounts, soon after boarding, a "furious hard blowing rain" started. The forward cabin flight attendant attempted to close the cabin door, then moved back to allow the mechanic to close it. The witnesses stated that "suddenly his hand slipped from the door handle, his feet slipped from under him, and he fell out the doorway" onto the ramp.
Post-Incident Actions
Following the accident, the airline developed and implemented numerous safety enhancements. Revised procedures and training regarding portable airstairs and jet-bridge operations were introduced.