A ground crew member at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) was hospitalized after being struck by an American Airlines Boeing 787 while the aircraft was taxiing towards the gate. The incident, which occurred on March 15, 2024, has raised concerns regarding safety protocols for ground operations at one of the busiest airports in the United States.
Video footage shared by aviation insider JonNYC on social media shows the moment the crew member, known as a wing walker, was hit as the aircraft was moving at speed. Reports indicate that the individual sustained serious injuries and is currently in intensive care. As of the time of publication, American Airlines has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident, despite inquiries from Simple Flying.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The aircraft was taxiing from the runway to its designated gate when the collision occurred. In the role of a wing walker, the crew member is typically responsible for guiding aircraft safely to their parking positions while ensuring the area is clear of obstacles. It remains unclear why the individual was in the path of the moving aircraft as it approached the terminal.
Witnesses expressed shock at the incident, which has sparked discussions about the safety measures in place for ground crew at busy airports. Gary Leff from View From the Wing highlighted the unfortunate reality of ground crew injuries, emphasizing that all personnel are trained to remain outside of exclusion zones when aircraft engines are operational.
The aftermath of the incident was captured on video, showing the crew member lying on the tarmac following the collision. The footage has since circulated widely, drawing attention from the aviation community and prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Context of Ground Operations at DFW
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport serves as a major hub for American Airlines, handling approximately 47.8 million passengers in the previous year, which translates to a market share of about 66.09% of all flight operations at the airport. The airport features six terminals and 224 gates, making it one of the largest airports by land area in the United States, second only to Denver International Airport.
Ground safety protocols are critical in such a high-volume environment. Crew members are trained to maintain a safe distance from moving aircraft, especially when engines are running. As investigations proceed, aviation experts and safety officials will likely analyze the protocols in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The team at Simple Flying wishes a swift recovery to the injured individual. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided, ensuring transparency regarding the investigation and any potential changes to safety measures that may arise from this unfortunate event.
