On June 30, 1989, a Grumman G-164-B (registration N8341K) operated by William C. Norsworthy was involved in an aviation accident near Mer Rouge, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a pedestrian on the ramp while taxiing, despite warnings from witnesses. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A farmer walking across the ramp was struck by the propeller of an agricultural airplane taxiing after a flight, despite warnings from witnesses.
What happened
An agricultural airplane was taxiing on the ramp between parked aircraft and a hangar following a flight operation. A farmer, who frequently visited the airstrip to sell produce to the workers, was walking across the ramp toward his pickup truck. Witnesses observed the approaching aircraft and shouted a warning to the pedestrian. The pilot reported being unaware of anyone's presence in front of the airplane at the time of the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the taxiing operations and visibility conditions on the ramp. Evidence indicated that the aircraft was moving slowly between parked planes. The primary finding related to the interaction between the ground personnel and the flight crew during the taxi phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to see and avoid a pedestrian on the ramp while taxiing, despite warnings from witnesses.