Ground crew worker Rail Khasanov was standing in front of a plane’s front wheel when without warning it lurched forward and trapped his leg on the ground, his life was saved but his leg was not
An airline worker who needed his leg amputated after he was run over by a passenger jet while it was taxiing on a runway has begged judges not to punish the pilot.
Ural Airlines pilot Maxim Krasnoperov is facing trial in Yekaterinburg, central Russia, charged with violating air safety rules. Horrific CCTV footage from Koltsovo Airport in May last year, showed the 21-year-old ground crew worker Rail Khasanov standing in front of a plane’s leading wheel.
Without warning the plane lurched forward pinning Rail’s legs to the ground. Surgeons saved his life but one leg was so badly crushed it had to be amputated. Now Rail and his family have appealed to judges due to hear the case at Oktyabrsky District Court not to punish Krasnoperov harshly.
Rail’s brother Amir Khasanov told local media: “We do not want this man made out to be evil. You don’t have to ruin another life. The pilot contacted us almost immediately and apologised. He sends money every month. We can say that we have reconciled with him. But from Ural Airlines we have not received a penny.”
Rail’s lawyer Stanislav Buyantuyev revealed that the airline has downgraded Krasnoperov to a co-pilot but has not suspended or sacked him. He said: “According to my information, Maxim Krasnoperov was downgraded to the post to the second pilot. My client does not require him to be suspended. Negotiations are underway with Ural Airlines.
“I can’t reveal the details yet. Rail amputated his leg – the prosthesis costs 5 million Russian rubbles – equivalent to around £41,000. And it is also necessary to assess the damages for moral damage and lost earnings.”
Ural Airlines has refused to comment on the case ahead of the trial.
