Tue, Jan 17, 2006
Pulled Into Engine During Run-Up
A mechanic was killed
Monday at El Paso International Airport when he was drawn into
the right engine of a Boeing 737 as it spooled up during a
maintenance check.
Continental Airlines Flight 1515 was preparing to take off at
approximately 9:30 this morning for Houston's Bush Intercontinental
Airport when "a maintenance-related engine run-up" was carried out,
according to FAA Southwest Region spokesman Roland Herwig. "Someone
on the ground was sucked into the engine."
Continental Chairman and CEO Larry Kellner said there were 114
passengers and five crewmembers aboard the Boeing 737-500 (file
photo of type, below) when the mechanic disappeared into the
engine.
"My fellow coworkers and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to
the family and friends of the mechanic involved in this tragic
event," Kellner said in a written statement, adding the mechanic
killed worked for one of the airline's suppliers.
"Continental is coordinating assistance for passengers who need
help dealing with this tragedy," he added. "Continental's Employee
Assistance Program team is also flying to El Paso to meet with
employees."
Such an event is not unheard of, according to Boeing spokeswoman
Liz Verdier. "it doesn't happen very often," she told CNN, "[but]
it has happened in the past."
The NTSB sent an investigation team to look into the mishap,
according to media reports. Continental's website showed Flight
1515 departed El Paso five hours late, arriving in El Paso after
five o'clock... presumably using a different aircraft.
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