Incident
On 12 November 2024, an ATR 72-500 aircraft operated by Nordic Regional Airlines Oy (Norra) landed at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport at 13:53 local time. It taxied to stand 133, where the engines were shut down at 13:56. The flight carried nine passengers and four crew members. After receiving a knock signal from ground personnel, the senior cabin crew member opened the rear door. The door incorporates built-in stairs with two folding handrails. As a passenger was descending the stairs, one handrail unexpectedly folded downwards, causing the passenger to fall onto the apron. The passenger sustained serious injuries.
Background
The aircraft involved was an ATR 72-500, a twin-engine turboprop regional airliner. The operator, Nordic Regional Airlines Oy (Norra), is a Finnish regional airline. The accident occurred at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland's main international airport. The rear passenger door of the ATR 72-500 is designed with integrated stairs and two handrails that deploy and lock in an upright position when the door is opened. The handrail mechanism includes a locking pin intended to secure the handrail in the raised position.
Investigation
The Safety Investigation Authority of Finland (OTKES) initiated an investigation into the accident. The investigation focused on the technical operation of the passenger door handrail and its operational use. Investigators examined the handrail locking pin and the door opening procedures. The investigation noted that similar incidents had previously occurred at Jyväskylä Airport, Dublin Airport (30 September 2015), and Cork Airport (26 May 2017). OTKES issued several safety recommendations, including: preventing the folding handrail from jamming in the raised position; improving the location and visibility of the locking pin; strengthening the door opening procedure; developing Norra's safety and risk management; updating the cooperation plan for civil aviation accidents; and standardizing instructions for calling for assistance.