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.

FMI: www.continental.com