Delta worker ‘consumed’ by aircraft engine on runway in Texas

A worker died at San Antonio International Airport Friday night after being sucked into the engine of a Delta plane taxiing to the gate.

Updated Tuesday, June 27, 2023 2:00 PM EST – The National Transportation Safety Board investigation canceled the investigation after the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the worker’s death a suicide. More from NBC.

Officials said the employee was “swallowed” by the Airbus A319 jet engine that apparently turned on while he was on the ground. Unifi Aviation, with which Delta contracts for its ground crew service in San Antonio, said BBC that the incident did not involve a breach of the company’s security procedures. However, it is not clear what happened that led to the death:

“From our initial investigation, this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operational processes, security procedures and policies,” the company said.

A Delta spokesperson said the airline was “heartbroken” to mourn the loss of an “aviation family member’s life.”

“Our hearts and full support are with your family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”

The airline also told local broadcaster KENS 5 that it is cooperating with authorities “as they begin their investigation.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is gathering information about the incident for its investigation. Unifi Aviation and Delta are also investigating the incident. The Norwegian Labor Inspection Authority will also be involved. The worker has not been identified.

Working around such complex environments as airports is a dangerous job. In April there was one American Airlines worker dies in traffic accident. Earlier this year, a worker was killed by being sucked into an airplane engine in Alabama on New Year’s Eve. The employee in that scenario was warned several times that the plane’s engines would be on, on the other hand. Nevertheless, OSHA hit the small airline Piedmont with a fine of $15,625 in the death of the workers.