Incident Overview
On April 14, 2016, at approximately 1624 Pacific Daylight Time, a Southwest Airlines ramp agent suffered a serious injury to his right arm and hand during baggage unloading operations at San Diego International Airport (KSAN), San Diego, California. The incident occurred after Flight 3060, which had arrived from Albuquerque International Sunport (KABQ) at 1617, parked at Gate 2. Ground personnel positioned a beltloader next to the forward cargo bin entry door and began offloading baggage.
Sequence of Events
According to the investigation, two ramp agents were near the forward part of the aircraft discussing plans to unload a heavy powered wheelchair from the forward cargo bin. One agent was inside the cargo bin, while the other stood on the ground to the left side of the beltloader. Review of video footage showed the agent on the ground repeatedly placing and removing his hand on the top of the moving belt. He then placed his hand at the bottom of the belt and appeared to attempt a similar motion. Moments later, his arm became caught in the beltloader, causing him to fall to the ground.
Response and Rescue
Other ramp personnel quickly noticed the situation and came to assist. The beltloader was turned off, but the agent's arm remained trapped inside the equipment. A ramp supervisor used scissors to cut the belt, but the agent could not free himself. The supervisor then retrieved tools, removed the belt's access panel and roller bolts, and successfully released the agent's arm.
Injuries and Medical Attention
Paramedics arrived shortly after the incident. The ramp agent was examined in an ambulance and subsequently transported to a hospital. He sustained a burn on his forearm, a three-inch laceration on his hand, and a broken right wrist. The reason for the agent's decision to place his hand on the underside of the beltloader remains unknown.
Operational Context
Southwest Airlines maintains precautions and established procedures for ramp operations, which are documented in their ground operations manual.