What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was parked on the ramp. The engine was running as the crew prepared for flight. During this phase, the pilot experienced difficulty closing the aircraft door. A passenger exited the cabin to seek assistance.
Upon leaving the aircraft, the individual walked along the right wing leading edge toward the engine cowling. From this position, the passenger attempted to close the door several times. While reaching for the door handle, the person was struck by the rotating propeller.
The investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board examined the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators noted that the aircraft was stationary but the engine was active. The narrative focused on the sequence of actions taken by the passenger and the resulting contact with the moving propeller blades.