Incident Overview
On 20 September 1999 at 0610 UTC, a Boeing 757-204, registration G-BYAU, was boarding passengers at Stansted Airport for a public transport flight. The aircraft, manufactured in 1994 and powered by two Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 turbofan engines, had 9 crew members on board; passengers were in the process of boarding at the rear via a set of steps.
The ground conditions were wet. A gap of approximately six inches existed between the top of the steps and the aircraft door sill. Through this gap, a two-and-a-half-year-old child fell, landing on the ground below. Ambulance and other emergency services were called and attended within 15 minutes. Hospital examination revealed a fractured wrist and some bruising. No other injuries were reported.
Condition of the Steps
The steps at the rear of the aircraft had been positioned about one hour earlier and were used for disembarking a previous flight. After the incident, an inspection of the steps revealed several defects: a damaged stabiliser mount on one side, making its deployment difficult; a missing foot to the jack; one of the other four stabiliser jacks was found in the retracted position; and the handbrake was found in the off position.
Probable Cause and Subsequent Actions
It is probable that the steps moved gradually from their original location as they were being used, thus creating a gap against the side of the aircraft. Disciplinary action was taken against the employee who positioned the steps, which were immediately withdrawn from service. Nature of damage to the aircraft was none.