Incident Overview

Date: Monday 25 July 2022
Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-214
Owner/operator: Avianca
Registration Number: N950AV
Location: Rionegro/Medell¡n-Jos‚ Mar¡a C¢rdova Airport (MDE/SKRG) – ÿ Colombia
Phase of Flight: Taxi
Casualties: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 166
Component Affected: External Power / Communication Jack access doorExternal Power / Communication Jack access door
Investigating Agency: AerocivilAerocivil
Category: Accident
An Airbus A320-214 experienced a near-miss incident due to a failure to follow established procedures during a pushback maneuver. Ground support personnel failed to properly secure the aircraft, leading to a cabin crew member falling onto the galley floor. This resulted in a serious spinal injury and a significant period of disability for the flight attendant.An Airbus A320-214 experienced a near-miss incident due to a failure to follow established procedures during a pushback maneuver. Ground support personnel failed to properly secure the aircraft, leading to a cabin crew member falling onto the galley floor. This resulted in a serious spinal injury and a significant period of disability for the flight attendant.

Description

The Airbus A320-214 had completed the pushback and started the engines on Spot No. 2. At approximately 12:37 local time, the taxiing commenced after the crew received clearance from ground personnel. When the aircraft had moved approximately 10 meters, ground support personnel positioned themselves in the aircraft’s path and made a visual signal to the crew to stop, as they noticed that the communication connection door was left open. The crew indeed stopped the aircraft, and as a result of the deceleration, a Cabin Crew Member who was standing fell onto the forward galley and sustained injuries. The crew became aware of the situation and suspended the flight, which was resumed two (2) hours later. The crewmember, suffered a serious spinal injury. As a result of the injury, the flight attendant received a total of 100 days of disability. The investigation determined that the accident occurred due to the following probable cause: Failure of the ground support personnel to adhere to dispatch procedures and checks by neglecting to close the access door of the External Power / Communication Jack, a task that was delegated to a Technical Apprentice by a Licensed Technician (instructor). As a contributing factor, the investigation found: Unsecured position of the Cabin Crew Member, which resulted in her falling during an unexpected and abrupt braking by the flight deck crew.

Primary Cause

Failure to adhere to dispatch procedures and checks regarding access door closure, resulting in a lack of security and potential for a hazardous situation.Failure to adhere to dispatch procedures and checks regarding access door closure, resulting in a lack of security and potential for a hazardous situation.

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