Incident Details
On November 11, 2017, about 1230 Pacific standard time, a provisioning agent fell from Southwest Airlines flight 1159 while the aircraft was parked at Gate 13 at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX), Los Angeles, California. The flight was in the process of deplaning. The agent was moving from the airplane to the provisioning van's platform when the platform/box assembly malfunctioned and lowered about 2-3 feet. The agent lost situational awareness and fell onto the lowered platform, injuring his right shoulder. He was transported to the hospital and diagnosed with a fractured right shoulder.
Aircraft and Flight Information
The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-700, registration N740SW. The flight operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 as a regularly scheduled passenger flight from San Francisco International Airport (KSFO), San Francisco, California, to KLAX. On board were the captain, first officer, three flight attendants, several passengers, and the provisioning agent.
Provisioning Van Malfunction
According to the operator, the provisioning van's platform/box assembly malfunctioned. The van was removed from service. Examination revealed that the left side tape switch had dislodged from its track, resulting in the uncommanded lowering of the platform.