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Casualties unknown

Passenger Struck by Propeller After Ignoring Instructions to Stay Behind Aircraft (N1444V)

Richmond, VA, US

On March 15, 2003, a Cessna R172K (registration N1444V) was involved in an aviation accident near Richmond, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The passenger's failure to remain clear of the propeller. Factors included the passenger's recent use of marijuana, the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection, and the night lighting conditions. 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

During a night departure, a pilot noticed a left main landing gear wheel chock was still in place and asked a passenger to remove it. Despite being told to go behind the aircraft, the passenger walked toward the front and was struck by the moving propeller.

Incident Overview

A pilot and a passenger conducted a preflight inspection and boarded the airplane for a night departure. After the engine was started, the pilot noticed that the left main landing gear wheel chock had not been removed. The pilot asked the passenger if he could go behind the airplane and pull it away. Before the passenger exited the airplane, the pilot repeated to him, "go to the back of the airplane, do not go to the front."

Sequence of Events

After the passenger exited the airplane, the pilot saw him step toward the front. The pilot screamed, "no, stop," but the passenger was struck by the moving propeller. The passenger subsequently tested positive for marijuana.

Observations

The incident occurred during a night departure. The pilot had explicitly instructed the passenger to go behind the aircraft. The passenger's action of stepping toward the front led to the propeller strike. No other information is available regarding the type of aircraft, registration, location, or extent of injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Mar 2003 Cessna R172K accident near Richmond, VA?

During a night departure, a pilot noticed a left main landing gear wheel chock was still in place and asked a passenger to remove it. Despite being told to go behind the aircraft, the passenger walked toward the front and was struck by the moving propeller.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Mar 2003 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N1444V, at Richmond, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The passenger's failure to remain clear of the propeller. Factors included the passenger's recent use of marijuana, the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection, and the night lighting conditions.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030320X00364. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.