Piedmont Airlines has been hit with a $15,625 fine over the death of a ground crew worker who was sucked into the engine.
As reported by New York Post, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) issued a fine against Piedmont Airlines - the regional subsidiary of American Airlines - after the death of Courtney Edwards.
The 34-year-old employee tragically died on December 31 after she was sucked into the aircraft’s engine in southwest Montgomery, Alabama.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board found that the mother-of-three was "ingested into the engine" while "on the ramp at Montgomery Regional Airport where American Airlines Flight 3408, an Embraer E175, was parked," per the outlet.
According to Dallas Morning News, the NTSB also discovered that the workers at the Montgomery airport held two safety briefings before the heartbreaking accident. Employees were informed that they should not approach the aircraft until the engine was completely shut off and a beacon light was turned off.
However, as the pilot landed the plane in Montgomery, they were given a warning that the front cargo door was being opened just as he started to shut down the right engine.
The publication stated that surveillance footage showed Edwards walking toward the plane's rear while holding an orange safety cone. In the video, she disappeared from view and a short time later, the tragedy took place.
OSHA issued a general duty clause violation to the airline on June 7, penalizing for $15,625 - the maximum allowed by law for a severe breach.
The company has 15 business days from receiving the citation and penalties to comply by asking for an informal conference with OSHA or examining the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
In addition to this, the late employee's union, the Communication Workers of America, released a statement saying that OSHA found that the airline was at fault for "lack of effective training, clear and unambiguous communication on the ramp, and clear instructions from supervisors as to when it is safe to approach an aircraft".
A GoFundMe was launched by Donielle Prophete (the president of the CWA) to help Edwards' three children. As of this writing, $120,527 has been raised from the $25,000 target.
"Courtney was a Ground Handling agent for Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, a loving mother of 3 kids and a wonderful daughter to her beloved mother, Natalie English of Montgomery, Alabama," the description read. "Please know that this tragedy has and will affect her mother, family, friends, and kids for years to come."
"Our Local would like to ask you to help us raise money for her 3 beautiful kids to help cover funeral expenses, day-to-day expenses, and any other expenses needed to care for the children. All proceeds raised are going directly to her mother, Natalie, for the care of Courtney's kids. We appreciate any support you could offer during this most tragic time," the page added.
Per The Mirror, American Airlines released a statement shortly after the incident: "We are devastated by the accident involving a team member of Piedmont Airlines, an American Airlines regional carrier, at Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM)."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members," the company said. "We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time."
Our thoughts are with Edwards' family and friends at this time.
.jpg_wXEJDz?tr=h-184)
