What happened
On 13 November 2003, at approximately 08:00 UTC, a Boeing 757-2T7, registration G-MONB, was being prepared for a passenger flight at Stand 130 of London Gatwick Airport. During the pre-flight phase, a member of the cabin crew slipped on the floor within the galley. The impact resulted in injuries to the crew member's arm and back. Following the incident, the individual was transported to a hospital, where medical examinations and X-rays confirmed a fractured arm.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's interior following the slip and identified several areas where the floor was dangerously slick, specifically within the galley, the toilets, and the aisle. The investigation established that the aircraft had undergone a 'deep clean' the previous evening. This cleaning procedure had left residues or moisture on the non-carpeted surfaces, creating the hazardous conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the injury was the slippery condition of the aircraft floor caused by the recent deep cleaning process.
- The slippery surfaces were present in multiple locations, including the aisle and lavatories.
- The situation was addressed by calling cleaners back to the aircraft to rectify the floor condition prior to the scheduled departure.