What happened
On 8 February 2003, a Boeing 737-3M8, registration G-EZYD, arrived at Edinburgh Airport from Luton. Following the arrival and the disembarkation of passengers, the crew prepared to leave the aircraft unattended for a period. Following company protocol to secure the aircraft, the commander attempted to close the forward left (L1) door from the exterior using the deployed airstairs.
While performing the task of closing the door, the commander lost his balance and fell through a gap between the right-hand rails of the airstairs. The fall resulted in the pilot hitting the tarmac approximately 2 metres below, causing a serious injury in the form of a fractured skull. Emergency medical personnel and doctors from the terminal provided assistance before the pilot was transported by ambulance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the condition of the aircraft and the airstairs following the incident. The inspection revealed no mechanical defects in the L1 door or the airstairs, and the non-slip surfaces on the steps and handrails were found to be undamaged. There was no evidence of contamination on the stairs that could have contributed to the slip.
To close the L1 door from the outside, the handrails must be stowed, which creates a gap of roughly 0.75 metres at the top of the stairs. The procedure requires the individual to stand on the fourth or fifth step, release the gust lock, and swing the door 180 degrees, necessitating the use of both hands. The investigation also noted that while Boeing had no records of crew injuries during this specific door operation, there had been previous reports of individuals falling from the airstairs.
Findings
- The accident involved an experienced pilot and serviceable equipment under dry surface conditions.
- The physical process of closing the L1 door from the exterior requires the operator to use both hands, leaving them unable to steady themselves.
- The necessity of using both hands to manipulate the door left the pilot unable to maintain balance during the maneuver.
- There was a lack of formal training or specific guidance in manufacturer or operator manuals regarding the external closure of the L1 door while airstairs are deployed.