An engineer at British Airways (BA) is in critical condition after falling around 20 feet from a jet during a routine maintenance inspection inside a hangar at Heathrow Airport. The incident occurred just after 2 a.m. on Sunday while the worker was inspecting the auxiliary power unit on the tail section of a stationary aircraft.
Emergency services, including paramedics and a trauma team from London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, rushed to the scene, arriving within minutes. The engineer was treated at the hangar, then transferred to a major trauma center for urgent care.
BA has confirmed it is conducting an internal safety review and is offering full support to the engineer’s family and colleagues. At the same time, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a formal investigation to examine procedures, equipment and fall-prevention protocols.
Colleagues reportedly described the engineer as highly experienced and well-respected. The accident — described by insiders as exceptionally rare — has reportedly “sent shockwaves through the BA community.”