Casualties unknown

1994-04-20: Cessna 152 (N159BC) — Crest Airpark — Auburn, WA

Auburn, WA, US

On April 20, 1994, a Cessna 152 (registration N159BC) operated by Crest Airpark was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure to maintain sufficient clearance from the propeller by an individual walking near the aircraft with the engine running. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A person delivering a letter to the pilot was struck by the propeller of an aircraft with its engine running on the ramp, resulting in injuries to the left arm and shoulder.

What happened

The incident occurred while an airplane was parked on the ramp with its engine still running. An individual approached the aircraft from the right side with the intent of delivering a letter directly to the pilot inside the cockpit.

After the conversation concluded, the individual closed the aircraft door and proceeded to walk underneath the right wing strut, moving toward the front of the plane. During this movement, the person failed to maintain adequate clearance from the rotating propeller. As a result, the individual was struck by the propeller blades, sustaining injuries specifically to the left arm and shoulder.

The investigation

The factual narrative indicates that the aircraft was stationary on the ramp but the engine remained active during ground operations involving personnel proximity. The primary mechanical factor involved the unshielded rotation of the propeller while individuals were working in close proximity to the nose section of the aircraft.

Probable cause

Failure to maintain sufficient clearance from the propeller by an individual walking near the aircraft with the engine running.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01182. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.