L2024-03 Passenger Falling Accident at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport on November 12, 2024

A passenger was seriously injured during disembarkation from an ATR 72 airplane operated by Norra at Helsinki-Vantaa airport in November 2024. She lost balance upon coming to the top of the passenger steps and fell on the apron. The cause of the accident was traced to the incorrect placement of the quick-release locking pin that secures the collapsible handrail in upright position. When the passenger grabbed the handrail for support, it folded down unexpectedly.

One step in the passenger door opening procedure is the relocation of the quick-release pin into a stanchion to lock the handrail upright. In this case, this was not done, and the unlocked handrail remained upright after the door was opened, giving an impression of the pin being in its correct position and the handrail being secured for disembarkation. Investigation found design deficiencies in terms of technical solutions, operability and conceptual ergonomics of the handrail, and these allowed it to remain upright in an unlocked condition.

The operator’s door operating instructions did not require the other cabin crew member to verify the correct position of the quick-release pin, nor were other barriers in place to guard against the effects of human lapses.

After experiencing a similar accident in Jyväskylä in January 2024, the operator had revised the door procedure. The airplane manufacturer had also worked on safety improvements, but not all of them had been fielded by the time of the investigated accident.

Uncertainty of the severity of the occurrence during the alerting of paramedic units led to a delay in administering first help to the passenger. In addition to this, the need for psychosocial support for the victim and other persons involved was assessed inadequately.

The Safety Investigation Authority Finland recommends that

• the airplane manufacturer ATR
  • establishes requirements for the maintenance and verification of  the function of the collapsible handrail
  • improves the observability or location of the quick-release pin with the aim of drawing full attention to the condition of the collapsible handrail.
• the airplane operator Norra
  • endorses a revised procedure requiring that the passenger door shall be opened using support from the other cabin crew member, and/or prepares a door opening checklist
  • pays increased attention to the implementation and follow-up of corrective actions in safety and risk management
  • harmonizes flight crew and cabin crew procedures regarding alerting instructions when the airplane is parked.
• the Ministry of Transport and Communications updates its Joint Action Plan in the Event of Civil Aviation Accidents, adds to the plan a description of provision of support to accident victims and their families and informs stakeholders accordingly.