An airline ground worker died Friday at San Antonio International Airport after being struck by the engine of an incoming plane, authorities said.
Delta Flight 111 arrived in Texas from Los Angeles around 10:30 p.m. Friday. As the Airbus A319 taxied to the gate, a dock worker was “choked” in the plane’s engine, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The employee, whose name was not released, worked for Unifi, a company that Delta uses for ground handling.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased and we remain focused on supporting our local staff and ensuring they are cared for during this time,” Unifi said in a statement. “Based on our initial investigation, this incident was unrelated to Unifi’s operations, security procedures and policies. Out of respect for the deceased, we will not share any further information.”
A Delta spokesman told NBC News the company “mourns” the loss.
“We are heartbroken and mourn the loss of life of a member of the San Antonio aviation family. “Our hearts and full support go out to her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time,” the Delta spokesman said.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB are investigating this incident.
NBC affiliate WOIA in San Antonio reported that the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s office said Monday the worker’s death was ruled a suicide. The station said the practice’s doctor had “seen signs of suicide.”
This is the second incident in less than a year in which an airline worker was sucked into an airplane engine and killed. On Dec. 31, 2022, an Alabama airport worker at Montgomery Regional Airport was pulled into a running jet engine, NBC News reported.