Incident Details
On 6 February 2016, at Katowice Airport (EPKT), a Bombardier DHC-8-400 (registration SP-EQE) operated by PLL LOT SA was being pushed back from stand 8. A coordinator was attaching the towbar to the aircraft while in contact with the captain via headset. The aircraft's engines were off. While the coordinator was on the right side of the towbar, tightening securing bolts on both sides of the towbar head, the captain asked for permission to start engine No. 2. The coordinator gave permission while still under the fuselage near the nose landing gear leg. Immediately, she felt the nose landing gear doors, located in front of the leg, begin to close. An operator noticed the coordinator was trapped by the doors and rushed to help, attempting to pry the doors open. The operator heard the coordinator ask the captain to open the doors, but there was no visible reaction. After several attempts to pull the doors apart, the coordinator freed herself, and the doors closed completely. The coordinator did not feel any physical discomfort and together with the operator completed the pushback. Afterwards, the shift manager was informed. The coordinator was taken to a hospital for a day of observation and then discharged. The operator sustained bruised fingers during the rescue attempt, received outpatient treatment, and returned to work.
Cause
According to the investigation, the cause of the incident was that the coordinator granted permission to the captain to start engine No. 2 too early, while she was still in proximity to the nose landing gear doors.
Actions Taken
Following the incident, the user (PLL LOT SA) discussed the event with ground support equipment operators and flight coordination staff. Personnel were reminded that when the nose landing gear doors are open and engine No. 2 is being started, it is strictly forbidden to be directly near the nose landing gear leg because the doors automatically close upon engine start. Additionally, a bulletin was published outlining safety procedures during towbar attachment to Bombardier DHC-8 aircraft, emphasizing the automatic closing of the nose landing gear doors after engine start.
No safety recommendations were issued.