Fatal Ground Accident Involving Rotating Propeller

Casualties unknown • Dulles, VA, US

A ground service employee sustained fatal injuries after coming into contact with a rotating propeller during aircraft servicing operations.

What happened

An employee of Signature Flight Support was fatally injured while working near an aircraft parked with its engine running. At the time of the accident, the pilot was in the process of transcribing the Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS).

The pilot reported that he had removed a chock from around the main landing gear and repositioned it around the front landing gear into an 'L' configuration. Witnesses at the scene observed the employee focusing on the front landing gear as he moved into the area of the rotating propeller. Co-workers noted that the employee, who had been with the company for approximately three weeks and possessed no prior aviation experience, may have been distracted by personal domestic issues.

The investigation

Investigations conducted by both state and federal agencies focused on the operational environment at Signature Flight Support. The inquiry found no deficiencies in the company's existing training programs.

Probable cause

The employee came into contact with the rotating propeller while focused on repositioning a wheel chock.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-02-21 Piper PA 32R-301 accident near Dulles, VA?

A ground service employee sustained fatal injuries after coming into contact with a rotating propeller during aircraft servicing operations.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-02-21 involved a Piper PA 32R-301, registration N3559U, at Dulles, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The employee came into contact with the rotating propeller while focused on repositioning a wheel chock.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00233. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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