A Jet2 aircraft engineer has been seriously injured after falling from the rear of a plane at Manchester Airport, in an incident described by witnesses as “lucky to be alive.”
The accident happened on the morning of April 11, 2026, while the aircraft was preparing for departure to Tenerife.
Emergency services were called to the scene after the man, believed to be a contractor working on the aircraft, fell approximately 35 feet from the open rear door of the plane.
Witnesses said the incident may have occurred after a mix-up involving the aircraft steps, with the engineer reportedly opening the wrong door and losing balance in strong winds.
The fall caused serious injuries, with reports indicating multiple fractures to the legs and arms, along with head and facial injuries. He was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary for emergency treatment.
Airport staff described the moment as shocking, with one witness saying the drop meant the man was “lucky to be alive” given the height and conditions at the time.
Jet2 confirmed the incident involved an individual from a third-party contractor and stated that a full investigation has been launched to determine exactly what happened.
Manchester Airport also confirmed emergency services attended quickly, with ambulances and medical teams treating the injured worker on the tarmac before hospital transfer.
Photos from the scene reportedly showed the aircraft stationary with the rear door open and medical screens erected around the injured man while responders worked.
At this stage, authorities have not suggested any criminal activity, and the incident is being treated as a serious workplace accident under investigation.
The man’s condition is serious, but reports confirm he survived the fall and is receiving ongoing medical care.
