Accident Details
The pilot was preparing for a night flight when he came into contact with the rotating propeller of his airplane and sustained fatal injuries. The incident occurred before departure, with no known witnesses present.
According to information gathered during investigations by law enforcement personnel and Safety Board investigators, the sequence of events began when the pilot started the airplane and taxied toward the runway. For reasons that remain unknown, the pilot apparently stopped the aircraft on the taxiway and exited with the engine still operating. The parking brake was set, and the landing and taxi lights were illuminated.
Pilot's Actions
The pilot moved toward the front of the airplane while holding a flashlight. He then came into contact with the rotating propeller. The pilot had been beginning the flight after a full day of work and had been awake for at least 16.5 hours.
Investigation
No witnesses to the accident were identified. The investigation was conducted jointly by law enforcement personnel and Safety Board investigators. No further causal factors have been determined from the available information.