What happened
On March 21, 2017, an Airbus A318-122, registration PR-ONI, operated by Oceanair Linhas Aereas S/A, arrived at Congonhas Airport (SBSP) in São Paulo from Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ) in Rio de Janeiro. The flight was conducting a scheduled domestic passenger service with six crew members and 58 passengers on board.
During the disembarkation process, a passenger was using a mobile passenger stair attached to the aircraft's forward door. While descending, the passenger lost their balance and fell from the stairs. The incident resulted in a serious injury, specifically a fractured left ankle. The aircraft sustained no damage during the event.
The investigation
CENIPA's investigation focused on the condition of the equipment and the procedures followed by the crew. The passenger stairs (identified as EA-208) had undergone inspection on March 15, 2017, and were found to be in proper working order, with all structural and mechanical components, including tires, handrails, and stabilizers, meeting safety standards. Meteorological data indicated wind conditions were within normal limits and did not contribute to the incident.
Investigators reviewed the cabin crew's post-landing procedures. While the crew performed the required safety announcements (speech) as outlined in the Flight Attendant Manual, the investigation noted that the existing procedures did not include a specific instruction to alert passengers that disembarkation would be conducted via stairs.
Findings
- The passenger was carrying two pieces of hand luggage (a backpack and a handbag) at the time of the fall.
- The passenger had no pre-existing mobility impairments.
- The passengers were not alerted that disembarkation would be performed using passenger stairs.