When a Flight Attendant Made an Unexpected Mid‑Air Escape
In a stunt that would surprise even the most seasoned traveler, a 52‑year‑old cabin crew member slipped out of an Air India Boeing 777 while trying to shut the back door at Mumbai’s International Airport. The incident left her with a fractured leg and a hospital stay that is still being evaluated by the airline.
What Went Down
- A flight headed toward New Delhi was being prepped for departure.
- While closing the aircraft’s rear door, the attendant lost her footing and tumbled onto the tarmac.
- She landed hard enough to break a leg.
Air India’s Senior Manager, Mr. Pravin Bhatnagar, stated to AFP: “The cabin crew member fell off while closing the back door and sustained injuries. She’s receiving treatment in the hospital, and an investigation is underway to find out exactly what happened.”
The Aftermath
- The attendant was conscious but had leg fractures upon arrival at Nanavati Hospital.
- A spokesperson from the hospital was unreachable for comment.
- Air India has announced an internal review to prevent future mishaps.
Air India’s Running List of Gaffes
It’s not the first time the state carrier has faced technical hiccups and headline‑making blunders. Over the years, pilots have shown up late for flights, and a 737 suffered damage after departing Trichy bound for Dubai.
Recent Crashes & Surprises
- Last week, two pilots were grounded when a jet struck an airport perimeter wall on take‑off but still managed a safe landing after four hours of flying.
- In 2015, a technician tragically died after being sucked into a jet engine during a push‑back at Mumbai, because of mistaken signals.
- Just last month, a first‑time flyer on a GoAir flight from New Delhi to Patna opened a plane door mid‑air, mistaking it for the bathroom, sparking panic among passengers.
With all these incidents piling up, Air India’s safety record is a real journey—straight down the care‑free line… but we hope each fluke is just a lesson, not a lifetime.
