Casualties unknown

Propeller Strike During Chock Removal After Preflight (N8992P)

Niagara Falls, NY, US

On September 26, 1993, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N8992P) operated by L & L Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Niagara Falls, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW STARTING PROCEDURES AND HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY NOT REMOVING THE WHEEL CHOCKS AND THE PASSENGER NOT MAINTAINING CLEARANCE FROM THE PROPELLER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot's wife was struck by the propeller while attempting to remove a nosewheel chock after the pilot had started the engine and received taxi clearance. The pilot shut down the engine after feeling a thud.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that he completed his preflight inspection and returned to the office to pay tie-down fees for three days. Upon returning, he started the engine and contacted ground control for taxi instructions. However, he was unable to taxi because the nosewheel chock was still in place.

Chock Removal Attempt

The pilot's wife, who was not a pilot, volunteered to remove the chock. She exited the airplane to the right and walked in front of the right wing, where she attempted to remove the chock from the right side of the nose gear, aft of the propeller. While doing so, she was struck by the propeller.

Pilot's Response

The pilot stated that he heard and felt a slight thud in the vicinity of the propeller. He then shut down the engine and exited the airplane. No further details were provided in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13356. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.