Incident Overview
On September 4, 2022, an accident occurred at Frankfurt Main Airport (EDDF) involving a Boeing 777F freighter. The aircraft was preparing for a scheduled cargo flight to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. During taxiing on the N-North taxiway, near stand F234, the jet blast from the aircraft's engines displaced several empty cargo containers from pallet tractors and a transfer vehicle.
Sequence of Events
The crew received clearance to taxi via N17 but held short of taxiway N. The captain initiated movement by increasing thrust on the right engine while the left engine remained at idle, a maneuver intended to correct the aircraft's orientation after a previous stop with the nose gear turned. Quick Access Recorder (QAR) data indicated the right engine thrust lever was advanced to 47% N1 within seven seconds. As the aircraft began to move and turn left into N17, the jet blast directed toward stand F234 struck nearby equipment.
Impact and Injuries
Four personnel were present at stand F234, where another cargo aircraft was being loaded. Witnesses reported seeing containers fly toward the parked plane. One ground worker, standing near the wing, was hit by the thrust and pushed to the ground. Another container struck her as she attempted to evade it, resulting in a fracture of the left upper arm head. The worker fell on her hip and shoulder. No damage was reported to the Boeing 777F or other aircraft, but the displaced containers were damaged.
Aircraft and Crew Details
The involved aircraft was a two-engine freighter manufactured by Boeing Company, model 777F, with a maximum takeoff mass of 347,814 kg. It was operated by a German airline. The flight crew consisted of a 61-year-old captain with approximately 23,900 hours of experience, a 24-year-old copilot with about 1,390 hours, and a 39-year-old senior first officer with roughly 2,135 hours. All held valid Class 1 medical certificates at the time of the incident.