A passenger on an Air Canada flight opened a cabin door and fell 20ft onto the tarmac, causing shock and confusion moments before take-off.
The incident, which occurred at Toronto Pearson International Airport prior to a 13-hour flight to Dubai, delayed the departure by six hours and left officials scratching their heads about how it had happened.
The male flyer suffered injuries, but CTV News stated his motivations for his actions remain unclear.
Images of the alarming event circulating on social media show an ambulance and other emergency vehicles surrounding the plane, with its jet bridge still attached.
Media reports indicate the man opened the door himself before falling out. Peel Regional Police reported he was in a “state of crisis”.
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While no charges have been announced yet, the scenario has raised questions about the ease with which aircraft exits can be accessed.
Retired pilot Ross ‘Rusty’ Aimers said it’s easier to open plane doors before they are “armed”.
Speaking to Global News, he explained: “On the ground, before it’s armed, it’s much easier to open the door. The handle that you see is pretty long so it makes it easier to open that door. That’s the design of it.”
Air Canada shared details about a recent incident in a statement to The Mail: “During the boarding of flight AC056, Toronto-to-Dubai on January 8 while the aircraft was at the gate, a passenger who had boarded the aircraft normally, instead of proceeding to their seat opened a cabin door on the opposite side of the aircraft.”
“The passenger sustained injuries falling to the tarmac with emergency services and the authorities attending.
“The flight, onboard a Boeing 777 scheduled to carry 319 customers, was subsequently delayed and departed later.
“We can confirm all of our approved boarding and cabin operating procedures were followed; we continue to review the incident.”
Both Air Canada and Peel Regional Police have been asked for more information.
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