A baggage handler was killed in a freak New Year's Eve accident when he was allegedly sucked into a plane's engine.
Authorities said the employee was working on the ramp at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama USA when he was pulled into the running engine.
The Envoy Air flight was parked up ahead of schedule for a flight to Dallas, Texas, when the tragedy unfolded at around 3pm on Saturday.
Although the victim has not yet been publicly identified, it is understood he worked for Piedmont Airlines.
"Today around 3 pm an American Airlines ground crew piedmont employee was involved in a fatality," a spokesperson for the airport said shortly after the death.
"No additional information is available at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased."
Envoy and Piedmont are both regional subsidiaries of American Airlines.
The airport has reopened after an immediate shutdown in the wake of the horrific accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” a spokesperson posted in message on social media.
The incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transpiration Safety Board.
American Airlines said in a statement that it is "devastated by the accident involving a team member."
It added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and our local team members. We are focused on ensuring that all involved have the support they need during this difficult time."
A Piedmont Airlines care team will provide support to the victim's family, friends and co-workers.
Wade A Davis, the executive director of the airport said: "We are saddened to hear about the tragic loss of a team member of the AA/Piedmont Airlines.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time."
The FAA is set to file its first report on Monday when more information is expected to be released.
