Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A319-111, registration G-EZFP, powered by two CFM56-5B5/3 turbofan engines. It was manufactured in 2009 (serial no. 4087). The flight was a commercial air transport (passenger) service from Liverpool to Jersey, landing uneventfully at approximately 1500 UTC on 1 December 2017. On board were 6 crew and 138 passengers. The commander, aged 42, held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and had 8,800 total flying hours, including 6,750 hours on type.
Accident Description
After parking at Stand 13 at Jersey Airport, a jetty was positioned at door 1L and steps at door 2L. A 74-year-old female passenger carrying a trolley suitcase was the first to disembark via the rear steps. When she was 6 or 7 steps from the bottom, she tripped and fell forward, suffering serious head injuries. She was initially attended by a fellow passenger who was a nurse, then by airport paramedics, and subsequently taken to hospital. Other passengers were redirected to the forward door for disembarkation. The commander later found a broken shoe heel on the steps, which he believed belonged to the passenger.
Environmental and Equipment Conditions
It was daylight, and weather conditions were reported as dry with light winds. The ground handling agent's subsequent investigation determined that the steps were fully serviceable, correctly positioned, and free from any contamination.
Probable Cause
The investigation stated: "The accident probably occurred because the passenger’s shoe broke whilst she was descending the steps. Carrying a suitcase may have impaired her ability to hold the handrail." The operator already makes a public address before passengers disembark reminding them to take care on the steps and to hold the handrail.