On August 22, 2007, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-36 (registration N6KF) was involved in an aviation accident near Hobby Airport, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the ramp employee to maintain clearance from the rotating propeller. A contributing factor was the prevailing night conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A lineman was seriously injured after walking into a turning propeller on a high-wing twin-engine airplane during preflight ground operations. The pilot shut down the engine and provided assistance.
Incident Overview
A lineman sustained serious injuries when he inadvertently walked into the turning propeller of the number 1 engine on a high-wing twin-engine airplane. The incident occurred during ground operations prior to a night flight. The airplane was not damaged.
Details of the Event
The lineman, who had completed all required training, had recently changed work shifts and had a total of six months of experience. According to the pilot, after both engines were started, the lineman quickly approached the airplane to unplug the ground power unit (GPU). He then proceeded to cross beneath the left wing from front to rear to retrieve the left main landing gear wheel chocks. While recovering the chocks, he was struck by the left engine propeller blade. It was noted that normally the aircrew removes their own wheel chocks.
Pilot Response and Conditions
The pilot-in-command performed an engine shutdown, exited the aircraft, and assisted the injured lineman. The airplane was stationary at the time of the mishap. Weather at the airport was not a factor in the incident.