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Casualties unknown

Passenger Struck by Propeller During Engine Start at Transient Ramp (N5352N)

Fresno, CA, US

On October 30, 1998, a Cessna 182Q (registration N5352N) was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to allow unescorted passengers to approach the aircraft with the engine running, and, the passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A passenger walking toward an aircraft with a running engine was struck by the propeller at a transient tie-down ramp. The pilot had started the engine after being contacted by phone and was waiting for the passenger to arrive.

Incident Overview and Pilot Account The pilot reported that he was waiting in a transient tie-down parking ramp near the terminal for his passengers to arrive. The passengers contacted him by cell phone, stating that they were in the terminal parking lot and would be there shortly, and asked him to start the engine. ## Sequence of Events After receiving the call, the pilot entered the airplane, started the engine, and turned on the strobes and navigation lights. He then waited for the passengers to arrive. The pilot said he waited an additional 5 to 6 minutes after seeing a group of people near the fence gate that leads to the transient parking area. ## Injury and Environmental Conditions After checking the instruments, the pilot looked up and saw one of the intended passengers in front of the wingtip walking toward the engine. The passenger walked into the rotating propeller just as the pilot attempted to shut down the engine. ## Lighting Conditions The moon was near the western horizon and not visible. The nearest street light standards illuminating the area were 52 and 66 feet away from the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Oct 1998 Cessna 182Q accident near Fresno, CA?

A passenger walking toward an aircraft with a running engine was struck by the propeller at a transient tie-down ramp. The pilot had started the engine after being contacted by phone and was waiting for the passenger to arrive.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Oct 1998 involved a Cessna 182Q, registration N5352N, at Fresno, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to allow unescorted passengers to approach the aircraft with the engine running, and, the passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller. A factor in the accident was the low ambient lighting conditions, which would have made the rotating propeller difficult to see.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11297. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.