Incident Summary
A passenger sustained serious injuries after exiting a stationary aircraft with the engine running and walking into the propeller. The incident occurred while the aircraft was parked in a transient parking area. The right front seat passenger asked the pilot if he could open the right door slightly to get some air; the pilot approved. Moments later, the passenger exited the aircraft, stating he would be right back, and then jumped forward into the propeller.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that he had stopped the aircraft in a transient parking area and was looking for his checklist when the right front seat passenger asked if he could open the right door slightly. The pilot approved. According to the pilot's statement, the passenger 'hopped up and exited the aircraft' a few moments later, saying he would be right back. The passenger shut the door after leaving and jumped forward into the propeller. The pilot gestured in an attempt to warn him but was unable to be effective due to noise and the closed door.
Injuries
The rotating propeller struck the passenger, causing serious chest, back, and arm lacerations. The passenger also suffered a punctured diaphragm and a collapsed left lung. He is expected to recover with no permanent disability.
Statements
The passenger stated that he felt partially at fault for the incident but also believed that the propeller should have been stopped.