A ground handler at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport died after being struck by an Airbus 350 during pushback operations on August 24, 2026, sparking investigations into workplace safety protocols and airline accountability.
A ground handler at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport died on August 24, 2026, after being struck by an Airbus 350 during pushback operations, according to multiple Canadian outlets. The worker, identified as Oscar Robayo by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), was employed by Samsic, a ground handling company, and was struck while the French Bee flight bound for Paris was reversing on a runway. Emergency services responded around 7:30 p.m., but Robayo succumbed to his injuries, with Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) confirming his death on August 25.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The accident occurred as French Bee Flight 351 prepared for departure, with the aircraft using a pushback vehicle to maneuver away from the terminal. A passenger aboard the flight, Matthieu Douvenou, described seeing the moment the worker was struck via a live camera feed on his seatback screen. I could see the nose landing gear. And then all of a sudden, it was as if the tarmac worker had stumbled, and then at that moment, the plane backed up and we felt the shock,
Douvenou recounted to CBC. The worker was reportedly guiding the aircraft, a role typically filled by a “wingman” who communicates with the tractor driver to ensure safe movement.
French Bee confirmed the incident involved its aircraft and a pushback vehicle, while ADM stated the worker was an employee of the airport community.
The airline said it was cooperating with Canadian authorities, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) deployed investigators to assess the occurrence. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) also opened an investigation into Samsic’s compliance with health and safety obligations under the Canada Labour Code.
Witness Accounts and Aftermath
Douvenou, who was scheduled to return to France on August 25, described the trauma of witnessing the incident. I still have the images running through my head,
he said. Normally I’m not afraid of flying, but right now I’m not very calm.
Passengers on the flight reported feeling a distinct thud and shock wave
as the aircraft lifted slightly during the impact. One passenger, a nurse, offered assistance, while others remained in distress. Douvenou said crew members eventually shut off the live feed after 30 seconds.
Investigation and Workplace Safety Concerns
The investigation is focusing on Samsic’s training protocols and compliance with safety standards. ESDC spokespersons emphasized that the probe would determine whether the employer met its obligations under the Canada Labour Code.
Gradek highlighted the complexity of ground operations, noting that there has to be a very heightened level of situational awareness by individuals that are operating equipment or walking around a terminal airside.
He speculated that the incident might have involved a “distraction” or that the individual wasn’t paying attention
during the pushback process. The TSB’s statement noted that the TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Broader Implications and Industry Reactions
The incident has reignited debates about workplace safety in aviation, particularly for ground crew workers who operate in high-risk environments. The IAM called the death a tragic workplace accident.
French Bee reiterated its commitment to cooperating with authorities, while ADM expressed condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will shift to whether systemic gaps in training or communication contributed to the accident. With the TSB’s involvement and ESDC’s probe, the case could set precedents for future safety protocols in Canadian airports. For now, the tragedy underscores the delicate balance between operational efficiency and the human cost of aviation’s behind-the-scenes work.
