Did Fatal CO Run-Up Break The Rules At ELP? | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-04.29.24

Airborne-NextGen-04.30.24

Airborne-Unlimited-05.01.24 Airborne-AffordableFlyers--05.02.24

Airborne-Unlimited-05.03.24

Wed, Feb 15, 2006

Did Fatal CO Run-Up Break The Rules At ELP?

Officials Won't Comment

Were mechanics on the ground at El Paso International Airport breaking the rules last month, when they conducted engine run-up tests on a Continental Airlines 737?

As Aero-News reported, Donald Gene Buchanan was sucked into right turbofan of a waiting 737 January 16th during a maintenance check. He was killed when the engine spooled up to 70-percent power. Buchanan, a 64-year old A&P from Julie's Aircraft Services, had been checking for a reported oil leak at the time.

The question, however, is whether the run-up -- which was conducted at the gate -- should have been conducted somewhere else. The El Paso Times reports airport rules say run-ups are forbidden in the terminal area -- and are only allowed in the designated run-up area, more than two miles away across the field.

Passengers were boarding the airliner when the pilots advanced the throttles -- causing Buchanan to be pulled into the engine.

Bill Gamble, an air safety investigator from Arlington, TX who is investigating the death for the NTSB, said he is aware of the airport's procedures for run-ups -- but he was not prepared to comment on whether those rules were violated.

"We are still collecting data," Gamble told the Times.

Meanwhile, the owner of Julie's Aircraft Services says his mechanics don't have authorization to order run-ups, or to taxi aircraft to the run-up area.

"The captain is in charge of the airplane. We don't have run-up and taxi authorization from Continental," said Thorleifur Juliusson. "It could be requested to take it (the engine's power) up that high, but then the captain would have to say let's take it (the plane) up to Runway 22," where the run-up apron is located.

Continental wouldn't comment on the fatal accident -- citing the ongoing NTSB investigation as its reason.

El Paso airport Aviation Director Pat Abeln also would not comment on factors involved in the January 16 fatality -- but he did note the airport has run-up areas for a reason, largely due to noise.

"Those are reasonable rules and regulations and we would expect them to be complied with," Abeln said.

FMI: www.continental.com, www.elpasointernationalairport.com

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.01.24): Say Altitude

Say Altitude Used by ATC to ascertain an aircraft's specific altitude/flight level. When the aircraft is climbing or descending, the pilot should state the indicated altitude round>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.01.24)

Aero Linx: European Air Law Association (EALA) EALA was established in 1988 with the aim to promote the study of European air law and to provide an open forum for those with an int>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: Korean War Hero Twice Reborn

From 2023 (YouTube Version): The Life, Death, Life, Death, and Life of a Glorious Warbird In 1981, business-owner Jim Tobul and his father purchased a Chance-Vought F4U Corsair. Mo>[...]

Airborne 04.29.24: EAA B-25 Rides, Textron 2024, G700 Deliveries

Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World Wa>[...]

Airborne Affordable Flyers 05.02.24: Bobby Bailey, SPRG Report Cards, Skydive!

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2024 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC