Manchester Airport engineer ‘fortunate to be alive’ after plunging 35ft out of open Jet2 aircraft door resulting from ‘mix-up with steps’
An aircraft engineer is ‘lucky to be alive’ after falling 35ft out of a passenger plane door at Manchester Airport.
The man, believed to be in his 60s, plunged from the back of the Jet2 aircraft when he mistakenly believed there would steps on the other side of the door.
Pictures from the scene on Saturday morning show the rear door of the plane wide open, while a set of stairs could be seen a few metres away.
Several emergency vehicles and ambulances from the North West Ambulance Service attended the scene and the victim was taken to hospital.
The plane had been due to fly to Tenerife before the incident occurred at around 8.05am.
A man who works at the airport and witnessed the fall said the engineer was told the steps were on the left side of the plane, but ended up opening the wrong door.
After realising his mistake, the man tried grabbing the door but ‘strong winds’ pulled outside and he fell towards the tarmac ‘face first’, the worker added.
He is believed to have broken both legs, his elbows and eye sockets, which has supposedly caused swelling on the brain.
Emergency services gather at Manchester Airport after an aircraft engineer fell 35ft out of a passenger plane door
Pictures from the scene on Saturday morning show the rear door of the plane wide open, while a set of stairs could be seen a few metres away
The Manchester Airport worker told the Sun: ‘To stop the brunt of the fall he put his knees and arms out, that’s what’s caused his injuries.
‘At the time we didn’t realise how bad the injuries were. The drop from that aircraft is about 35ft, so he’s lucky to be alive.’
The man was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary and friends say he is currently in operation, they added.
A Jet2 spokesperson said on Saturday: ‘We are aware of an incident that took place at Manchester Airport this morning (Saturday 11th April) involving an individual from a third-party provider.
‘We are unable to confirm further details at present, however, can confirm that a full investigation has been launched.
‘We are doing our best to provide support to everyone who needs it.’
