Incident Summary
On 12 July 2015, at Wrocław Airport (EPWR), an incident occurred involving a Bombardier DHC-8-402Q operated by PLL LOT. After landing and taxiing to the parking position, a ground handler, while placing chocks under the aircraft's wheels, struck his head on an ice detection probe. The impact caused a head wound that required stitches at a hospital.
Aircraft and Operator
The aircraft involved was a Bombardier DHC-8-402Q. The operator was PLL LOT. The pilot in command was a professional airline pilot. No further details about the aircraft registration or engine count were provided.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft landed and taxied to its parking stand. During the post-flight ground handling, an employee began placing chocks under the wheels. While performing this task, the employee hit his head against the ice detection probe, sustaining a laceration to the head. The probe was slightly bent as a result of the impact. The damage was classified as a technical defect and documented with photographs.
After consulting with the Maintenance Control Center (MCC), the aircraft was released for flight with passengers under Minimum Equipment List (MEL) item 30-80-2.
Injuries and Damage
One ground handler sustained a light injury (head wound requiring stitches). No other injuries were reported. The ice detection probe sustained minor bending, classified as a technical defect.
Findings
The investigation determined that the cause of the incident was inattention of the airport ground handling employee – an unfortunate accident at work. No safety recommendations were issued.