An incorrect part in a deicing rig led to the death of an aircraft maintenance worker, an inquest heard.
Forensic engineer John Hayes told Dublin Coroner's Court that the bearing used as the arm in the machine was 'not fit for purpose'.
SR Technics worker David Ralph, 58, of Brackenstown, Swords, Co. Dublin, was standing in the deicing basket on March 19, 2008, when it plummeted more than 20 feet to the ground.
Ralph suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital shortly afterwards. The court heard earlier that a pin in the mechanism holding up the arm shattered causing the incident. But Hayes said that the accident happened when the bearing jammed. It was "not fit for purpose,"' he said as its makers recommend a different kind of bearing be used with the deicer.
Coroner Brian Farrell adjourned the inquest until March to hear further evidence.
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