MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - More information is coming to light nearly two years after an airline worker was killed at the Montgomery Regional Airport after being sucked into a jet engine.
The National Transportation Safety Board, or NTSB, is releasing its final report on the incident that led to the death of Courtney Edwards, who died on Dec. 31, 2022. Edwards, 34, who was employed as a ramp agent by American Airlines subsidiary Piedmont Airlines, died after she got too close to the plane's running engine and was subsequently ingested.
According to the NTSB's final report, probable cause was found of "cognitive impairment," noting that Edwards suffered from health issues that could have impacted her judgement.
The report states that:
The report also notes that Edwards took part in a safety "huddle" 10 minutes before the fatal incident, which addressed safety around the engine. Just prior to the deadly incident, Edwards was seen on video going to the airplane's tail to put down a safety cone at which point she stumbled after approaching the jet-blast area behind the engine. She also failed to place a safety cone at the wingtip, which was part of her responsibilities. The video then showed Edwards walking directly in front of the engine while there were signals to indicate dangers were still active.
The NTSB report also discusses a post accident interview with the lead ramp agent that states:
There were 63 passengers and crew aboard the plane at the time of the incident.