What happened
The accident occurred at an active airfield where multiple aircraft were operating simultaneously. According to witness accounts, another aircraft taxied past the accident aircraft just before the incident, kicking up dust that may have obscured visibility.
- The pilot started the engine of his aircraft but did not shut it down.
- He deplaned while the engine was still running.
- Witnesses stated that he walked directly into the path of the rotating propeller.
- No other individuals were injured in the incident.
The investigation
Investigative findings focused on the sequence of events leading to the injury. The primary mechanical factor identified was the operation of the engine with the propeller in motion while personnel were in close proximity to the aircraft. Witnesses confirmed that ambient conditions, specifically dust blown by a nearby taxiing aircraft, may have contributed to the lack of situational awareness.
Findings
The investigation determined that the pilot failed to maintain a safe distance from the rotating propeller after deplaning. The presence of other aircraft operating in the vicinity created a busy environment that likely distracted from standard safety protocols regarding engine shutdown procedures before exiting the cockpit.
fuel exhaustion is not applicable; the cause was mechanical interaction with the propeller.
1 fatal, not injured
Safety message
Pilots must ensure that engines are shut down and propellers have come to a complete stop before deplaning, especially in busy airport environments where visibility may be compromised by dust or other aircraft operations.