Aircraft Engineer Survives 35ft Fall from Jet2 Plane at Manchester Airport
An aircraft engineer is 'lucky to be alive' after plummeting 35ft from a passenger plane door at Manchester Airport on Saturday morning. The man, believed to be in his 60s, suffered severe injuries including broken legs, elbows, and eye sockets, with swelling on the brain reported.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred at approximately 8.05am as the Jet2 aircraft was preparing for a flight to Tenerife. According to an airport worker who witnessed the fall, the engineer was instructed that the steps were on the left side of the plane but mistakenly opened the wrong door. After realising his error, he attempted to grab the door, but strong winds pulled him outside, causing him to fall face first towards the tarmac.
Photographs from the scene show the rear door of the plane wide open, with a set of stairs visible just a few metres away. The worker explained that the engineer tried to cushion the impact by extending his knees and arms, which contributed to his injuries. 'The drop from that aircraft is about 35ft, so he's lucky to be alive,' the witness added.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Multiple emergency vehicles and ambulances from the North West Ambulance Service rushed to the scene. The victim was transported to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where friends confirmed he was undergoing surgery. A Jet2 spokesperson stated that the individual involved was from a third-party provider and that a full investigation has been launched. 'We are doing our best to provide support to everyone who needs it,' the spokesperson said.
The airport worker noted that initially, the severity of the injuries was not fully understood, but the fall from such a height highlights the dangers involved in aircraft maintenance and boarding procedures. This incident underscores the importance of strict safety protocols and clear communication in aviation operations.
