NTSB: ‘Cognitive Impairment’ Caused 2022 Engine Ingestion

Deceased ramp agent’s toxicology results indicated possible cannabis use before the incident.

Caleb Revill

Friday, December 20, 2024 at 12:24 PM ET

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Edited By:

Travis Tingle

An American Eagle Embraer jet [Credit: Shutterstock/ LJ Jones]

Key Takeaways:

The NTSB concluded that a ramp agent's "cognitive impairment" was the probable cause of her fatal ingestion into an aircraft engine on December 31, 2022.
This impairment was attributed to a combination of illicit drug use, neurological issues, and low vigilance, resulting in behavior inconsistent with safety procedures.
The investigation cited the ramp agent's relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and the detection of cannabis metabolites as potential factors contributing to her cognitive state.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final investigation report finding that a ramp agent’s “cognitive impairment” resulted in their death from being ingested into an aircraft engine on December 31, 2022.

The report, published on Thursday, cites illicit drug use, neurological issues, and low vigilance in leading to the worker being killed at the Montgomery Regional Airport (KMGM) in Alabama.