Casualties unknown

Person Walks into Propeller After Conversation with Pilot (N8642S)

Jasper, TX, US

On March 2, 1996, a Cessna 150F (registration N8642S) was involved in an aviation accident near Jasper, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the pilot to ensure that the other person (outside the airplane) remained clear of the operating propeller, and failure of the other person to maintain awareness of the hazardous condition. 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

After landing, a pilot stopped to speak with a person on the ramp. The person, standing aft of the wing strut, then walked into the propeller. Spectators reported the person turned to wave before the incident.

Background

According to the pilot, she had just completed a local flight with a passenger and was taxiing toward the terminal when a person on the ramp, adjacent to the taxiway, approached the airplane from the left (pilot's) side.

Conversation and Sequence

Upon the person's approach, the pilot stopped the airplane, idled the engine, and had a brief conversation with the person. During the conversation, the pilot agreed to embark the person after her current passenger exited the airplane, and to take the person for a short flight. While conversing, the person was located aft of the left wing strut, and the pilot's door was open.

Spectator Accounts

Several spectators, who were observing the activity from the ramp area, reported that after the conversation with the pilot, the person turned to wave at them, and then walked into the propeller.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05398. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.