Commuter aircraft stairs and hand rails

[Dr. Michael K. Hynes]

Almost 200,000 people are getting on and off commuter airplanes daily. Some aircraft have one hand rail, others have two, and some none. What aircraft-hand rail configurations do you know of? Are you aware of any passenger accidents associated with getting on and off commuter aircraft? What was the aircraft type and hand rail configuration?

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Dr. Michael K. Hynes

[appraiser]

The b737's have a handrail system that partially pops out on deplowment of the airstairs and then ground crews position and lock the remaining upper handles in place. This upper handle often gets damaged as crews will raise the airstairs without first manually retracting the upper handle. As a result the upper handle is will often not be used to prevent possible future damage. The airline I work for has deactivated the airstairs on the 737.

The Canadair RJ's often deploy the foward stairs, then lay down a portable "bridge" that goes from the aircraft entryway directly into the jetway.

As far as known accidents from inconsistant handrail systems. If an injury occured that data is compiled by the DOT, FAA & NTSB. Since it would qualify as an aircraft incident due to the injury. A quick thinking gate agent might be able to avert any legal or reporting action from the pax by getting them into the airport and away from the aircraft.
Of course any lawsuits filed by passengers are no doubt settled and not available for research.