Incident Details
A bank courier for the Federal Reserve Bank drove his vehicle onto the ramp and helped load the accident airplane. Subsequently, he drove to another nearby airplane and assisted in loading that aircraft. He then discovered two bags that belonged to the accident airplane. Meanwhile, the pilot of the accident airplane had closed the door, secured the cargo, and started the engines. After a line person gave the pilot clearance to taxi, the pilot momentarily looked inside the cockpit to remove the propellers from the start locks. When the pilot looked up, the bank courier was walking toward the left propeller holding the two bags. The courier walked into the rotating propeller of the left engine as the pilot was attempting to shut it down.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the navigation lights and red rotating beacons were illuminated on the accident airplane. They also noted that nothing in the bank courier's actions gave them any concern prior to the event.
Training and Policies
Interviews disclosed that the bank had an on-the-job training program, but it did not include any training about the hazards of working around airplanes with operating engines. Additionally, the bank did not have a policy regarding approaching or loading airplanes with the engines operating.