Commercial Fixed Wing
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Person / Animal / Bird
Human Factors; Procedure
While closing the rear pit of the aircraft in preparation for departure; the crew released the aircraft brakes. There was no one on the headset yet and no communication had occurred between the ramp employees and the cockpit. The aircraft lurched backwards because of the pressure of the wheels against the chocks. The side of the pit opening pushed me off balance and I nearly fell off of the end of the belt loader.
A ramp employee was startled by movement of the aircraft while closing the cargo door; causing him to fall from the belt loader.