On May 2, 1985, a Cessna 404 (registration N68103) was involved in an aviation accident near Indianapolis, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure that no persons were in the vicinity of the operating propeller while running the engine for windscreen defrosting. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot was struck by the right propeller while loading freight onto the aircraft. The engine had been running for approximately three minutes to defrost the windshield when the accident occurred.
What happened
The right propeller struck an individual who was in the process of loading freight onto the aircraft. According to the pilot's report, he initiated the right engine to bring it up to operating temperature with the specific intent of defrosting the windscreen. The pilot stated that the engine had been running for approximately three minutes when he felt something strike the aircraft.
At the time of the accident, the aircraft was chocked and the brakes were set. The incident occurred while the right engine was active for defrosting purposes.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the propeller strike. Evidence indicated that the aircraft was stationary with brakes applied and chocks in place when the event took place. The primary mechanical factor identified was the operation of the right engine for windscreen defrosting while personnel were present near the propeller arc.
Findings
Contributing factors included the proximity of a person to the operating propeller during the defrosting process. The pilot's decision to run the engine while loading freight created a hazardous situation where the propeller posed a direct threat to individuals nearby.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure that no persons were in the vicinity of the operating propeller while running the engine for windscreen defrosting.