22.12.2009

De-Icer platform fall

A man fell around six metres to his death while de-icing an aircraft at Calgary International Airport, Canada on Monday.

The man, Murgappa Naiker, 52, a ground worker for Servisair, was de-icing a Boeing 737 from the platform of his de-icing machine when he fell. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The de-icer Naiker was using was one of the older models with an external working platform type operating station. Operators using this type of machine are required to wear a harness and lanyard.
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The de-icer and aircraft after the accident

Local reports say that passengers and were aboard the aircraft at the time but did not see the fall. They were later put on alternative flights.


Jody Moseley, speaking for the Calgary Airport Authority said: "It's a terrible tragedy and our heart goes out to the family. The airport's safety record has otherwise been exceptional."