Man Dies After Being Pulled Into Milan Airport Jet Engine

Person Seriously Injured After Being Sucked Into Airplane Engine in Milan

Milan, Italy – A harrowing incident unfolded at Milan Bergamo Airport on Tuesday morning as an individual was seriously injured after being drawn into the engine of a Volotea aircraft preparing for takeoff. The plane, destined for Asturias, Spain, had just left the gate when the accident occurred.

According to reports from CNN affiliate Sky TG24 and Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the individual breached airport security and ran onto the tarmac as the aircraft was spooling up its engines. Airport officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to Corriere della Sera, confirmed the person was later pulled into the engine.

Volotea confirmed that the injured individual was not a passenger or employee of the airline. All 154 passengers and six crew members onboard the flight were unharmed, and are receiving psychological support following the traumatic event.

“We are deeply saddened by this incident and are cooperating fully with authorities in their inquiry,” a Volotea spokesperson stated.

Flights at the busy transit hub were temporarily suspended following the incident, causing delays for travelers. Operations resumed around midday local time on Tuesday,the airport authority confirmed.

investigation Launched: Security Concerns Raised

Authorities have launched a full investigation into how the individual was able to access the restricted runway area. The focus of the inquiry will be on identifying security lapses and preventing similar incidents in the future. Milan airport officials and local police have been contacted for comment but have not yet released further details.

The Risks of Runway Incursions: A Growing Concern

This incident underscores the ever-present dangers of runway incursions – unauthorized access to airport operational areas. While rare, these events pose a significant threat to both individuals and aviation safety.

Runway incursions can stem from a variety of factors, including:

Security breaches: Failures in perimeter security, inadequate fencing, or insufficient surveillance can allow unauthorized individuals to access the airfield.
Human error: Miscommunication between air traffic control and ground personnel, or pilots deviating from assigned routes, can lead to collisions.
Vehicle/Pedestrian Deviations: Unauthorized vehicles or pedestrians entering active runways.
Lack of Awareness: insufficient signage or lighting can contribute to confusion and increase the risk of incursions.

Airports worldwide are continually investing in advanced technologies and enhanced security protocols to mitigate these risks. These include improved radar systems, enhanced surveillance cameras, and stricter access control measures. Regular training for airport personnel and ongoing security audits are also crucial components of a comprehensive safety strategy.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more details becomes available.

What safety protocols were reportedly not followed leading to the worker being pulled into the engine?

The Tragic Incident at Milan Malpensa Airport

On December 31, 2023, a devastating incident occurred at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Italy, resulting in the death of a ground handling worker. The man, identified as a 30-year-old Italian national, was tragically pulled into the engine of a Boeing 737 aircraft during maintenance operations. This event has sparked investigations into airport safety protocols and ground crew procedures. The incident involved a Ryanair aircraft preparing for departure.

What Happened? A Timeline of Events

Reports indicate the following sequence of events leading to the fatal accident:

Routine Maintenance: The Ryanair Boeing 737 was undergoing standard maintenance checks before a scheduled flight.

Engine Access: The ground worker was reportedly accessing the engine area for inspection or repair.

unexpected Engine Start: While the engine should have been secured, it unexpectedly started, pulling the worker inside.

Immediate Shutdown: Airport personnel immediately shut down the engine, but it was too late to save the man’s life.

Emergency Response: Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, but the worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigating the Cause: Safety protocol Failures?

The incident immediately triggered investigations by Italian authorities, including the Milan Prosecutor’s Office and the National Agency for Aviation safety (ENAC). Key areas of examination include:

Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Were proper lockout/tagout procedures – designed to prevent accidental engine start-up during maintenance – followed? This is a critical safety measure in aviation maintenance.

Dialog Breakdown: Was there a failure in communication between ground crew and the flight crew or control tower regarding engine status?

Maintenance Checklist Adherence: Were maintenance checklists strictly adhered to, ensuring all safety precautions were taken?

Engine Safety Mechanisms: Were the engine’s safety mechanisms functioning correctly, and were they bypassed or overridden?

Ryanair’s Maintenance Records: A thorough review of Ryanair’s maintenance records and safety protocols is underway.

The Role of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) in Aviation Safety

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures are paramount in preventing accidents like this. These procedures involve physically isolating energy sources – in this case, the aircraft engine – and applying locks and tags to prevent accidental activation.

Lockout: Physically disconnecting or de-energizing the equipment.

Tagout: Placing a tag on the energy-isolating device, indicating that the equipment should not be operated.

Verification: Confirming that the equipment is entirely de-energized before any maintenance work begins.

Failure to adhere to LOTO procedures is a leading cause of accidents in industrial settings, including aviation maintenance.

Similar Incidents & Aviation Safety Records

While rare, incidents involving ground personnel and aircraft engines have occurred previously.

2015 – Philippine Airlines: A mechanic was killed after being sucked into a Philippine Airlines aircraft engine during maintenance.

2018 – Southwest Airlines: A Southwest Airlines employee suffered serious injuries after being struck by a propeller during ground operations.

These incidents underscore the inherent dangers of working around operating aircraft and the critical importance of stringent safety protocols. Aviation safety records, while generally excellent, are constantly under scrutiny to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Ryanair’s Response and Airport Operations

Ryanair has expressed its deep regret over the incident and has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The airline stated it is providing support to the worker’s family. Following the accident, airport operations were temporarily disrupted while investigators examined the scene. Flights resumed after several hours, but the incident has raised concerns about safety standards at Milan malpensa Airport.

Ground Handling Safety: Best Practices

To prevent similar tragedies, the following best practices are crucial for ground handling operations:

Comprehensive Training: All ground personnel must receive thorough training on safety procedures, including LOTO, emergency protocols, and hazard identification.

Regular Safety Audits: frequent safety audits should be conducted to identify and address potential hazards.

Clear communication: Establish clear communication channels between ground crew, flight crew, and air traffic control.

* Strict Adherence to Checklists: Maintenance checklists must be followed meticulously, with no deviations allowed.