Casualties unknown

1997-05-11: Piper PA-28R-200 (N56639) — Fare Share Ltd — Pottstown, PA

Pottstown, PA, US

On May 11, 1997, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N56639) operated by Fare Share Ltd was involved in an aviation accident near Pottstown, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: was the flight instructor's diverted attention while standing on the wing behind a turning propeller, which resulted in his departure from the wing, forward into the turning propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 flight instructor was fatally injured when he walked into the turning propeller of a Piper PA-28R-200 after helping start its engine. A motorized glider was taxiing nearby.

Incident Details

A flight instructor was fatally injured when he walked into the turning propeller of a Piper PA-28R-200. The instructor had assisted the Piper's pilot in starting the engine, which had been difficult to start. Prior to the incident, a Cessna 172 returning from a dual instructional flight had parked in the space to the left of the Piper. The instructor exited the Cessna and helped start the Piper's engine. After the engine started, the instructor stood on the right wing of the Piper and moved forward, where he was struck by the propeller, resulting in fatal injuries.

Surrounding Circumstances

At the time of the occurrence, a motorized glider was taxiing in front of the Piper. It was passing from right to left. The glider's wing had cleared the Piper by about 3 feet. The glider was then approaching the Cessna, which was parked further forward. No other aircraft or personnel were mentioned in the report.

Aircraft Involved

The incident involved three aircraft: a Piper PA-28R-200, a Cessna 172, and a motorized glider. The Piper was the aircraft with the running propeller. The Cessna was used for a dual instructional flight, and its flight instructor was the person who was fatally injured. The motorized glider was taxiing but no further details about its occupants or purpose are provided.

Additional Notes

No information regarding the time of day, weather conditions, or any communications with air traffic control is included in the source. The flight instructor's identity and the Piper pilot's experience are not specified. The source only states the facts as described above.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07999. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.