As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.
What was found
MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL ATTEMPTED TO BOARD AIRCRAFT WHEN MOUNTING STEP STRUT ASSEMBLY BROKE AWAY. WELD ASSEMBLY (PN 0811946-23) FAILED COMPLETELY AT UPPER STEP. INDICATIONS OF A PRE EXISTING CRACK AROUND ONE THIRD OF THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TUBE. NO SIGNS OF RUST BLEED THROUGH AT THE EXTERIOR PAINT. STEP MOUNTING SCREW SPACERS MISSING AT UPPER STEP.