Event
On 25 July 2022, an Airbus A320-214, registration N950AV, was scheduled for a regular passenger flight from José María Córdova International Airport (SKRG) in Rionegro, Antioquia, to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (SKCL) serving Cali. The aircraft had 6 crew members and 160 passengers on board.
The aircraft had the APU bleed deferred under MEL 36-12-01 CAT C since 22 July 2022, requiring external pneumatic assistance for engine start. Three ground personnel were involved: a trainee technician receiving on-the-job training (OJT), a licensed technician acting as trainer, and a ground operations person operating the paymover, removing the tow bar, and handling final ground equipment.
After pushback, the aircraft started engines on spot No. 2. At approximately 12:37 local time, the crew received a signal that the area was clear and began taxiing. After moving about 10 meters in a straight line, ground personnel positioned themselves in the aircraft's path and made a visual signal for the crew to stop because the communication jack access door had been left open.
The flight crew braked the aircraft. As a result of the deceleration, a cabin crew member who was standing fell backward onto the forward galley and sustained injuries. The flight crew was informed of the situation and suspended the flight, which resumed two hours later.
Injuries
The injured cabin crew member was taken to a clinic, where she was hospitalized for more than 48 hours. An initial medical leave of 37 days was prescribed, later extended to a total of 100 days. The injury was classified as serious.
The aircraft sustained no damage. No other damage was reported.
Probable Cause
The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the failure of ground support personnel to follow dispatch and check procedures, specifically the omission to close the communication jack access door. This task had been delegated to a trainee technician by a licensed technician acting as trainer.
Contributing Factor
A contributing factor was the unsecured position of the cabin crew member, which led to her fall during an unexpected and abrupt braking maneuver by the flight crew.
Investigation
The Technical Directorate of Accident Investigation (DIACC) classified the event as an accident in accordance with Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention and Colombian aviation regulations. Three immediate safety recommendations and one additional recommendation were issued.