On January 9, 1984, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N6372C) was involved in an aviation accident near East St. Louis, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to manually rotate the propeller while the mixture and magnetos were set for starting, which resulted in severe injury. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot sustained severe scalp lacerations while attempting to manually rotate the propeller of a stationary aircraft on the ramp, an action he later admitted was unnecessary.
What happened
The pilot was discovered lying on the ramp surface directly beneath the nose section of the aircraft. He had suffered significant bleeding from wounds to his scalp. When questioned regarding the events leading up to the incident, the pilot stated that he could not recall the specific circumstances that preceded the accident. However, he acknowledged that the injury would likely have been avoided if he had not attempted to manually rotate the propeller blades.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft controls revealed that both the mixture control and the magnetos were positioned in the settings required for engine starting. This configuration indicated that the engine was intended to be started or was in a state ready for ignition, yet the pilot proceeded with physical manipulation of the propeller assembly while on the ground.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to manually rotate the propeller while the mixture and magnetos were set for starting, which resulted in severe injury.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 9 Jan 1984 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near East St. Louis, IL?
A pilot sustained severe scalp lacerations while attempting to manually rotate the propeller of a stationary aircraft on the ramp, an action he later admitted was unnecessary.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jan 1984 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N6372C, at East St. Louis, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to manually rotate the propeller while the mixture and magnetos were set for starting, which resulted in severe injury.
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