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Guide Fatally Struck by Propeller After Ignoring Instructions (N123EF)

Nondalton, AK, US

On July 30, 1998, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N123EF) was involved in an aviation accident near Nondalton, AK. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate procedures/directives when he allowed a passenger to exit the cabin area while the propeller was still turning, and the passenger's failure to follow the pilot's instructions to stay away 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A float-equipped airplane's guide, instructed to wait behind the door until engine shutdown, walked forward on the float and was fatally injured by the propeller.

Aircraft and Operational Context

The aircraft involved was a floatplane operated by a fishing lodge. The pilot was preparing to dock at a remote site and required assistance from the passenger, a guide employed by the lodge. The guide was new to the position and had limited familiarity with aircraft.

Pilot's Instructions

The pilot directed the guide to exit the cabin and stand on a float to assist with docking. The pilot specifically instructed the guide to remain behind the aircraft door until the engine was shut off and the propeller had stopped rotating.

Guide's Actions

The guide did not comply with the pilot's instructions. Instead of waiting behind the door, he walked forward on the float while the engine was still running and the propeller was spinning. The guide was struck by the propeller.

Injuries

The guide sustained fatal injuries from the propeller strike.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Jul 1998 DE Havilland DHC-2 accident near Nondalton, AK?

A float-equipped airplane's guide, instructed to wait behind the door until engine shutdown, walked forward on the float and was fatally injured by the propeller.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Jul 1998 DE Havilland DHC-2 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Jul 1998 involved a DE Havilland DHC-2, registration N123EF, at Nondalton, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate procedures/directives when he allowed a passenger to exit the cabin area while the propeller was still turning, and the passenger's failure to follow the pilot's instructions to stay away from the propeller. A factor associated with the accident is the passenger's unfamiliarity with aircraft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10462. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.