No fatalities

Flight Attendant Injured After Slipping on De-Icing Fluid During Beverage Service

Chicago, IL, United States

On December 29, 2012, an EMBRAER EMB-145LR operated by AMERICAN EAGLE AIRLINES INC was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The presence of deice fluid on the floor, which resulted in a slip hazard and an injury to the flight attendant. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 17 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A flight attendant slipped on de-icing fluid in the main cabin door area shortly after departure, injuring her left arm. An off-duty airline pilot who was a passenger assisted with cabin safety duties.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departure, a flight attendant initiated beverage service. While working in the main cabin door floor area, she lost her footing and fell, sustaining an injury to her left arm.

Response

As a result of the injury, the flight attendant was unable to continue her assigned crew responsibilities. An airline pilot who was traveling as a passenger on the same flight stepped in to assist with maintaining cabin safety during the remainder of the flight.

Contributing Condition

The flight attendant reported that de-icing fluid was present on the floor, which caused the surface to become slippery. Additionally, de-ice fluid was observed on the ramp areas surrounding the aircraft prior to departure.

Contributing factors

Effect on personnel

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Dec 2012 EMBRAER EMB-145LR accident near Chicago, IL?

A flight attendant slipped on de-icing fluid in the main cabin door area shortly after departure, injuring her left arm. An off-duty airline pilot who was a passenger assisted with cabin safety duties.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Dec 2012 EMBRAER EMB-145LR accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Dec 2012 involved an EMBRAER EMB-145LR, operated by AMERICAN EAGLE AIRLINES INC, at Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The presence of deice fluid on the floor, which resulted in a slip hazard and an injury to the flight attendant.