Workers Begin Return To Damaged Textron Aviation Site

Some Textron Aviation employees who work in its damaged Plant 3 building in east Wichita have begun returning to work, including those assigned to its Cessna SkyCourier turboprop-twin program. “As previously communicated, Textron Aviation is implementing a phased-in return to work plan for employees impacted by the Plant 3 incident on Friday, December 27 to align with employee safety, building access, and manufacturing priorities,” the Wichita-based airframer said in a statement to AIN.

Nearly two weeks ago, an explosion at Plant 3 resulted in a partial collapse of a wall and part of the roof at the massive building, sending 11 workers to the hospital and injuring four others. Company officials later announced that the SkyCourier housed in Plant 3 was not affected. “Starting today, Monday, January 6, some employees reported to Plant 3 for their regularly scheduled shifts, including those working the Cessna SkyCourier development program,” the statement said.

Other Plant 3 employees might be temporarily reassigned to other areas of the company where help is required, or their offices might be moved to different locations at the Textron Aviation east campus, the former Beechcraft plant. Textron Aviation added that it “is working in collaboration and coordination with investigating entities, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.”