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.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]