How Not to Fall Off Your Airplane

An airfield accident while refueling a Cessna 170 leads to powerful lessons.

Wednesday, November 09, 2022 at 11:36 AM ET

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Had the 170 been equipped with foot steps and handholds, or had the nearby stepladder been utilized, this scene would have never taken place. [Courtesy: Paul Cooley]

Key Takeaways:

The author broke several ribs after falling from his airplane while fueling, an accident he attributes to neglecting safety measures like using a stepladder or installed steps.
He received immediate help from airport community members, who called 911 and provided support, and later from a friend who secured his aircraft and drove him to the hospital.
The incident underscored critical safety lessons: the importance of proper equipment and procedures, establishing emergency contact arrangements with airport friends, and carrying a satellite communicator for remote areas.
The experience highlighted the invaluable support and appreciation for his network of friends and family within the aviation community during an emergency and recovery.

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The 911 dispatcher was very confused. “Wait, you’re saying he fell out of his airplane? Where is the airplane now?” she asked. Patty, the woman who ran to my aid, clarified, “No, he fell OFF of his airplane. He wasn’t flying at the time. The airplane’s right here.”

Patty went on to explain to the dispatcher that I had been fueling my airplane when I lost my footing, fell to the concrete, and was now in excruciating pain. Bones were probably broken, but my head appeared to be fine. The dispatcher, finally understanding the situation, advised that an ambulance was en route and would be on the scene shortly.