Passenger Intentionally Walks Into Propeller at Remote Alaska Airstrip (N4112D)

What happened

At a remote village airstrip in Alaska, a passenger deplaned from one scheduled commuter airplane and intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another commuter airplane that had its engines running. Neither the operating company nor the village had an employee on scene at the time. During medical treatment, the patient stated that she had attempted suicide by walking into the running propeller.

The investigation

The investigation revealed that the passenger had intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another commuter airplane with its engines running. No other contributing factors were identified.

Findings

• The passenger intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another commuter airplane with its engines running.
• Neither the operating company nor the village had an employee on scene at the time.
• The patient stated that she had attempted suicide by walking into the running propeller.

Safety message

This incident highlights the importance of having personnel present at remote airstrips to ensure passenger safety during deplaning and boarding operations.