CNN —
A worker who died in an accident at Montgomery Regional Airport on Saturday was “sucked into the engine” of a plane, according to a statement from the National Transportation Safety Board.
The plane, an Embraer 170 operated by regional airline Envoy Air, “was parked at the gate with the parking brake on when a ground crew member was picked up,” the agency said.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of a team member at AA/Piedmont Airlines,” Wade A. Davis, the airport’s general manager, said Saturday. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
American Airlines said in a statement Saturday it was “devastated by the accident involving a team member,” adding, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our team members at the scene.” We are focused on making sure everyone involved has the support they need during this difficult time.”
The victim was not named. The federal aviation authority and the traffic safety authority continue to investigate the fatal incident.
A preliminary report from the traffic safety authority is expected in two to three weeks, it said.