Synopsis
On 1 June 2023, a 65-year-old Indian male passenger sagged on the passenger steps while disembarking SriLankan Airlines flight UL166 at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake. He later died after being taken to Negombo General Hospital.
Factual Information
History of Flight
SriLankan Airlines flight UL166, an Airbus A320-232 (MSN 2731, registration 4R-MRE), arrived from Cochin International Airport, India at 11:18 local time on 1 June 2023. The passenger, who was an Indian national, intended to travel onward to London Heathrow on flight UL503. He was accompanied by his spouse.
During disembarkation from the L1 door via passenger step UL 11-29 at gate B-17, the passenger sagged. He was assisted by Aviation Security staff and ramp servicemen to a passenger coach, where a female passenger administered CPR. He was then taken to the airport medical centre accompanied by Airport Security staff and an Airport Service Agent. After initial medical treatment, he was dispatched to Negombo General Hospital under the attention of AASL medical staff. The Airport Service Manager was informed of the passenger's death later that day, after he was admitted to the hospital.
Injuries
No injuries were reported to other persons. The passenger sagged without falling down.
Aircraft Information
- Aircraft type: A320-200
- Registration: 4R-MRE
- Manufacturer Serial Number: 2731
- Certificate of Airworthiness: No. 206, valid until 25 November 2023
- Certificate of Registration: No. 250, Sri Lanka Civil Aircraft Register
Personal Information
The passenger was male, 65 years old, Indian national, passport number V6601014.
Ground Service Equipment
The passenger step used was UL 11-29. An inspection was carried out by the investigation team, but the report did not identify any defects.
Passenger Service and Communication
A Passenger Service Message (PSM) requesting a wheelchair had been received by the Passenger Service Unit prior to arrival. However, this request was not communicated to the Ramp Duty Room before the flight arrived; it was communicated only after the incident. The head of the PSU was on leave that day, and the acting Senior ASA did not forward the request.
The Passenger Information List (PIL) contains special assistance requests. The purser stated that Cochin ground staff informed him there were no special handling passengers on board, so he did not review the PIL. The purser accepted during the investigation that he did not check the list. The Cochin station staff, however, stated that they had handed over the passenger to the purser.
Passenger Announcements
An announcement was made after landing, in English only, advising passengers to be cautious when disembarking using steps and to use the handrail. Cabin crew members were also required to instruct passengers to hold the railing. Despite this, the passenger was observed carrying hand luggage in both hands.