Incident Details
On 20 February 2002, an Airbus A321-231 (registration G-TTIA) operated a scheduled passenger flight to Tangiers Airport. The aircraft carried 9 crew and 186 passengers. During boarding, a three-year-old child was disruptive and screamed when strapped in for takeoff. The child was seated in row 30, seat E.
During cabin preparation for landing, the child again screamed when made to strap in. The purser informed the captain, while the assistant purser observed a passenger from seat 29C exchange seats with the child. The assistant purser and two colleagues re-secured the passengers, and the assistant purser personally strapped the child into seat 30E. The purser then informed the captain that the cabin was no longer secure, but after reassurance, the cabin was declared secure again, and the landing gear was lowered.
On short final approach, a passenger in seat 30C stood up and leaned over the seat containing the child. The assistant purser rushed forward to prevent the passenger from possibly releasing the child, made her sit down, and then attempted to return to her seat. As the aircraft made a firm landing, the cabin floor rose sharply, striking the assistant purser's left foot while she was mid-stride. She immediately realized her leg was broken and fell to the floor.
Injuries and Aftermath
Two medically qualified passengers attended to the assistant purser. They were initially unable to access the medical kit because the casualty blocked the cupboard where it was stowed. After moving her, they supported her leg with a tray and pillow. Attempts to cut a blanket for additional support failed because the crew lacked cutting tools. An ambulance arrived but appeared to carry little equipment. The assistant purser was taken to a local hospital and later flown back to the UK by air ambulance. She sustained a serious compound fracture of her left leg, expected to require a protracted recovery period.
Safety Recommendations
The AAIB issued three recommendations to the operator: (2002-17) amend company manuals to emphasize cabin crew's responsibility to the majority of passengers and self-protection during safety interventions; (2002-18) reinforce guidance on responses to safety issues during training; and (2002-19) review first aid kit stowage to ensure accessibility. The operator accepted recommendations 2002-17 and 2002-18, and accepted the spirit of 2002-19 but considered it impractical.