On April 24, 2003, a Cessna P206 (registration N4624F) was involved in an aviation accident near Newport, RI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent encounter with propeller blast. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 206 was blown over by the propwash from a King Air 300 while the King Air was applying power to maneuver from a tie-down area. The Cessna pilot did not realize the King Air's engines were at high power.
Incident Details
A Beechcraft King Air 300 and a Cessna 206 were involved in a ground incident during taxi operations. The King Air 300 was being used for an engine run and was initially parked in a tie-down area. The surrounding area behind the King Air served as a taxiway for aircraft moving to and from the runway. At the time of the incident, a 90-degree crosswind was blowing from the left side of the aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The mechanic responsible for the engine run reported that the King Air was positioned on a slight uphill incline. He proceeded to start both engines. To maneuver the King Air out of the parking spot, he applied power to the left engine in order to make a right turn. As he did so, the Cessna 206 was taxiing behind the King Air and was subsequently blown over by the propwash from the King Air's left engine.
Pilot Statement
The pilot of the Cessna 206 stated that he could hear the King Air's engines operating but was not aware that they were at a high power setting. The crosswind was from the left at 90 degrees, and the combination of the propwash and the wind caused the Cessna to tip over. No further details about the aftermath or any injuries were provided in the initial report.