Incident Details
On February 2, 2014, at approximately 2230 eastern standard time, a Gates Learjet Corporation L35A, registration N979RF, experienced an incident during taxi preparation at Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aircraft was operated by JEDAMI Air, LLC under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 as a medical transport flight. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the intended flight to Owen Roberts International Airport (MWCR), Cayman Islands. The pilot, copilot, and two additional crewmembers were not injured; a lineman sustained serious injuries. The airplane sustained minor damage.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he occupied the left seat, and the copilot, who was at the controls, occupied the right seat. During engine start, the copilot observed one of the two linemen leave the ramp area, leaving one lineman to assist. After engine start, the copilot gave the disconnect ground power hand signal to the lineman. The lineman moved to the left and rear of the airplane to disconnect the ground power unit (GPU). The pilot monitored the airplane's voltmeter to verify disconnect by observing a drop in voltage. After placing the airplane's two generators online, the pilot looked up and noticed the airplane rolling forward at idle power. He applied the brakes and set the parking brake. About five minutes later, the flight crew still had no visual contact with the lineman, but additional crewmembers in the cabin observed the lineman standing next to the GPU. The pilot took control of the airplane and began a right turn to taxi. The copilot glanced out the right window and notified the pilot that the lineman was lying on the ground. The pilot stopped the airplane and shut down the engines. Upon exiting, the occupants found the GPU lying on top of the lineman and lifted it off him.
In a statement to police, the lineman reported that he gave the pilot the "HOLD" signal and proceeded to the GPU, which was still connected. As he attempted to disconnect the GPU, the airplane began moving forward, pulling the GPU over, knocking him down, and causing the GPU to rest on his right leg.
Aftermath
Examination of the airplane revealed minor damage to the GPU connector points and the airplane skin. The lineman was transported to a hospital for further treatment. According to the operator's manager, normal ground servicing operations were conducted with either one or two linemen depending on availability. In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Accident Report Form, the operator noted that the observed drop in voltage confirmed the GPU was no longer supplying power but would not confirm that the GPU cable had been disconnected.