Flight Attendant Seriously Injured During Emergency Braking at Frankfurt Airport

Casualties unknown • Verkehrsflughafen Frankfurt Main, DE

A flight attendant sustained a severe spinal fracture when a Boeing 757-300 performed an abrupt stop to avoid a moving baggage tug at Frankfurt Main Airport.

What happened

On May 20, 2024, a Boeing 757-300 was preparing for an IFR flight from Frankfurt Main Airport to Palma de Mallorca. The aircraft, carrying 267 passengers and 9 crew members, was at parking position V160. As the crew began the taxi procedure, they were monitoring the taxiway, which was partially blocked by a lead vehicle managing low visibility operations.

During the initial taxi, the flight crew observed a baggage tug approaching on the taxiway road. Cockpit voice recordings captured the co-pilot expressing concern about the vehicle's movement, followed immediately by a heavy braking maneuver. Flight data recorder analysis confirmed that after accelerating to 5 knots, the aircraft was brought to a complete standstill within two seconds.

During this sudden deceleration, a flight attendant performing a cabin safety check was thrown against the seatback of the last row of seats near the lavatory area. The impact resulted in a burst fracture of the first lumbar vertebra, requiring the crew member to be airlifted to a hospital via rescue helicopter.

The investigation

The BFU investigation examined flight data, voice recordings, and statements from the involved parties. The investigation reconstructed the positions of the aircraft and the ground vehicles. The driver of the baggage tug stated he was searching for empty baggage carts, which caused him to be distracted and look toward the left rather than forward. He confirmed that he stopped the vehicle upon noticing the aircraft, but the sudden braking of the plane had already occurred. The investigation also noted that the taxiway road lacked a defined stopping line for the tug. Meteorological data at the time indicated low visibility conditions, with fog reducing visibility to 400 meters.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the sudden braking was the encroachment of a baggage tug into the path of the taxiing aircraft.
  • The driver of the tug was distracted by the task of locating empty baggage carts, leading to a delayed reaction.
  • Low visibility conditions (fog) contributed to the operational environment at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The sudden, heavy braking of the Boeing 757-300, necessitated by the approach of a baggage tug, caused a flight attendant to suffer a severe spinal injury; the tug driver's attention was diverted by searching for equipment, leading to the near-collision.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2024-05-20 The Boeing Company Boeing 757-300 accident near Verkehrsflughafen Frankfurt Main, DE?

A flight attendant sustained a severe spinal fracture when a Boeing 757-300 performed an abrupt stop to avoid a moving baggage tug at Frankfurt Main Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2024-05-20 involved a The Boeing Company Boeing 757-300, at Verkehrsflughafen Frankfurt Main, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The sudden, heavy braking of the Boeing 757-300, necessitated by the approach of a baggage tug, caused a flight attendant to suffer a severe spinal injury; the tug driver's attention was diverted by searching for equipment, leading to the near-collision.

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