A baggage handler for a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines has been killed after reportedly being sucked into the jet engine of an Embraer E175LR regional jet at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama on New Year’s Eve.
In a short statement, the airport confirmed that a ground crew worker was “involved in a fatality”. The airport operator was unable to immediately provide any further information about the cause of death.
There have been several unverified reports that the ground worker was sucked into the engine of an aircraft at the airport. The aircraft in question is believed to be an Embraer E175LR regional jet operated by Envoy Air – a subsidiary of American Airlines which operates flights under the American Eagle brand.
The worker has been identified as working for Piedmont Air which is another wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines.
The four-year-old aircraft involved in the incident was due to operate flight AA3408 from Montgomery to Dallas at 3.46 pm on December 31. The flight has since been cancelled.
Neither Envoy nor Piedmont immediately responded to requests for comment but American Airlines said in an emailed statement: “We are devastated by the accident involving a team member of Piedmont Airlines, an American Airlines regional carrier, at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM).”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time.”
Citing the ongoing investigation, AA declined to provide further details about the accident. Piedmont is said to be “fully engaged” with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and local law enforcement.
Condolences to the individual and his/her family. Thought those Embraer engines were little hair dryers not the suction of a 777