Accident
On May 12, 2021, at approximately 23:30 local time, a Boeing 737-8AS aircraft, registration EI-EGA, operated by Ryanair Designated Activity Company, arrived at Alicante Airport (LEAL) from Gothenburg Airport (ESGG). After parking at gate 16, passengers began disembarking via the forward stairs. One passenger, carrying two suitcases, fell from the top of the stairs after one suitcase became stuck, and struck another passenger below. The falling passenger sustained serious injuries, later receiving stitches to the head and confirmation of a broken arm. Crew stopped further disembarkation via the forward stairs and redirected remaining passengers to the rear exit. Ground staff provided immediate assistance and the dispatcher summoned an ambulance, which arrived approximately 10 minutes later and transported the injured passenger to a hospital.
Investigation
The investigation by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC) determined that the cause of the accident was the passenger descending the stairs while disregarding disembarkation instructions by carrying a suitcase in each hand. The width of the aircraft's forward stairs is approximately 0.62 meters, sufficient for passage with a single suitcase but not for two, especially if held away from the body. Carrying two suitcases also prevented the passenger from grasping the handrail to maintain balance.
The report noted three subsequent incidents involving passenger falls during disembarkation from Ryanair Boeing 737 aircraft in Spain. On June 13, 2021, a fall occurred at Málaga Airport resulting in serious injuries, which remains under investigation (reference A-025/2021). Two additional falls, on July 16, 2021, at Málaga and Valencia Airports, did not meet the definition of an accident or serious incident.
Safety Recommendations
The CIAIAC issued two safety recommendations to Ryanair, urging the operator to modify its disembarkation procedure to prevent similar accidents.