Tragic Accident: Ground Worker Fatally Injured in Engine Incident at Chah Bahar Airport

Chah Bahar, Iran – On July 2nd, 2024, a tragic accident occurred at Chah Bahar Airport involving a Varesh Airlines Boeing 737-500, registration EP-VAF. The aircraft had successfully completed flight VRH-5858 from Tehran Mehrabad to Chah Bahar when a maintenance operation ended in disaster, leading to the death of a maintenance engineer.

Incident Overview

After landing safely at Chah Bahar Airport, the Boeing 737-500 was undergoing routine maintenance on its right-hand engine, a CFM56 model. During this maintenance procedure, the engine was running with its cowlings open—a standard practice for certain types of inspections and troubleshooting. However, the situation took a tragic turn when a maintenance engineer entered the safety zone near the operating engine to retrieve tools.

In a devastating moment, the engineer was sucked into the running engine and was fatally injured. The incident has left the aviation community and those involved in deep shock, highlighting the inherent risks associated with aircraft maintenance, particularly when engines are operational.

Immediate Aftermath

Following the incident, the aircraft was immediately grounded, and all operations related to the flight were halted. The aircraft remains on the ground at Chah Bahar Airport as of July 8th, 2024, while authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Investigation and Safety Implications

Iranian aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the engineer’s tragic death. The investigation will likely focus on procedural adherence, safety protocols, and the circumstances that allowed the engineer to enter the danger zone while the engine was running.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in aviation maintenance. While the specific details of what went wrong are still under investigation, the tragedy underscores the need for strict compliance with safety zones and protocols, especially during potentially hazardous operations involving live aircraft engines.

Conclusion

The accident at Chah Bahar Airport involving the Varesh Airlines Boeing 737-500 is a somber event that has resulted in the loss of life and has shaken the aviation community. As investigations continue, it is hoped that the findings will lead to enhanced safety measures and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The thoughts and condolences of the global aviation community are with the family and colleagues of the deceased engineer during this difficult time.