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 death by engine ingestion on December 31, 2022.
This impairment stemmed from a combination of illicit cannabis use, underlying neurological issues such as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), and low vigilance.
Toxicology confirmed the presence of delta-9-THC and its metabolites, indicating cannabis use, which can potentially worsen cognitive effects in individuals with MS.
While MS carried a substantial risk of cognitive impairment, the investigation could not definitively determine if the agent was experiencing an MS flare at the time of the incident.

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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.