Ground Crewman Killed by Rotating Propeller at Lisbon Airport

Casualties unknown • Lisboa, PT

A ground handling agent died after being struck by a rotating propeller on an ATR 42-320 during aircraft parking maneuvers at Lisbon Airport.

What happened

On March 14, 2001, a Danishair ATR 42-320, registration OY-JRY, landed at Lisbon Airport (LPPT) for a scheduled cargo operation. Following standard arrival procedures, the aircraft taxied to parking position "LL3" under the guidance of a "FOLLOW-ME" vehicle.

To maintain electrical power via the engine-driven generator while awaiting a Ground Power Unit (GPU) connection, the pilot kept engine number 2 running but placed the propeller in the feathered position. After the nose wheel chock was placed, a member of the ground handling team (PORTWAY) moved toward the right main landing gear to place additional chocks. To take the shortest route, the crewman attempted to pass through the narrow gap between the aircraft fuselage and the number 2 engine.

While passing through the propeller's rotation plane, the crewman was struck by the propeller blades. Although the propeller was feathered, it was still rotating due to inertia. The impact caused severe cranial trauma and injuries to the crewman's torso and arm, resulting in his death at the scene.

Probable cause

The primary cause of the accident was the ground crewman's use of an unsafe path between the fuselage and the engine during the installation of wheel chocks, which placed him within the rotation plane of the propeller. Contributing factors included the difficulty of detecting the propeller's rotation because it was in a feathered position, and inadequate safety training regarding the specific hazards posed by rotating turboprop propellers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-03-14 Danishair ATR 42-320 accident near Lisboa, PT?

A ground handling agent died after being struck by a rotating propeller on an ATR 42-320 during aircraft parking maneuvers at Lisbon Airport.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-03-14 involved a Danishair ATR 42-320, registration OY-JRY, at Lisboa, PT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The primary cause of the accident was the ground crewman's use of an unsafe path between the fuselage and the engine during the installation of wheel chocks, which placed him within the rotation plane of the propeller. Contributing factors included the difficulty of detecting the propeller's rotation because it was…

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