What happened
On 11 June 2005, a Boeing 757-200, registration TF-ARE, was preparing for a delayed charter flight from Manchester International Airport to Antalya. During pre-boarding checks, a cabin crew member was attempting to close the R4 door. As she was working the door, a catering staff member, who was finishing his shift, assisted by pushing the door to a half-closed position before departing the aircraft.
While the crew member was positioned to finish closing and locking the door, the door began to move again. The momentum of the heavy door trapped her left arm between the door assist handle and the aircraft bulkhead. The force of the movement caused her wrist to fracture in three places. The crew member was treated at the aircraft by paramedics before being transported to a hospital.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanics of the door operation and the sequence of events involving the catering staff. It was noted that the doors on this aircraft type are heavy and can be difficult to manage, particularly for those with limited experience on the type. The investigation also reviewed the training provided to the crew, noting that the airline's simulator used for door operation featured much lighter doors and did not account for the effects of wind loading.
Evidence suggested a breakdown in communication occurred between the crew member and the caterer. The caterer recalled asking if help was needed, but the noise in the area prevented the crew member from hearing him. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the status of the gust lock, noting it is possible the lock had not been fully engaged when the door was moved.
Findings
- The cabin crew member was performing tasks in a confined space and was not mentally prepared for the sudden movement of the heavy door.
- The momentum of the door, potentially influenced by the initial movement by the caterer, provided sufficient force to cause the injury.
- A breakdown in communication between the cabin crew and the ground staff meant the crew member was unaware the door was being manipulated.
- The airline's training simulator did not accurately represent the physical effort or the environmental factors, such as wind, required to operate the actual aircraft doors.