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Propeller Contact Results in Severed Fingers for Avionics Shop Owner (N95537)

Georgetown, DE, US

On January 21, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N95537) operated by Laurel Aero Services was involved in an aviation accident near Georgetown, DE. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of ground personnel to maintain clearance from the engine propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While attempting to inform a pilot about a lineman's delay, an avionics shop owner approached an airplane and her right hand contacted the rotating propeller, severing four fingers. The pilot shut down the engine as she approached.

Incident Overview

An avionics shop owner sustained a severe hand injury after coming into contact with an airplane's propeller on a ramp. The incident occurred when she attempted to relay a message to the pilot regarding the availability of a lineman.

Sequence of Events

The avionics shop owner was monitoring the unicom frequency for a lineman when she heard a request from the airplane on the ramp over the radio. Unsure of how to respond, she decided to go directly to the airplane to inform the pilot that the lineman would be back shortly.

Approaching the right side of the airplane, the woman's right hand made contact with the propeller. The contact resulted in the severing of four fingers from her right hand.

Meanwhile, the pilot observed the woman approaching the engine area. He stated that he shut down the engine as soon as possible. The pilot noted that the woman's hand contacted the propeller before it had stopped rotating.

Aftermath

No further details regarding the medical response or the condition of the avionics shop owner were provided in the source. The investigation did not assign a probable cause for the incident.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 1994 Cessna 152 accident near Georgetown, DE?

While attempting to inform a pilot about a lineman's delay, an avionics shop owner approached an airplane and her right hand contacted the rotating propeller, severing four fingers. The pilot shut down the engine as she approached.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jan 1994 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 1994 involved a Cessna 152, registration N95537, operated by Laurel Aero Services, at Georgetown, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of ground personnel to maintain clearance from the engine propeller.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00597. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.