Accident Details
On January 3, 2008, at approximately 0225 central standard time, a Pilatus PC-12/45, registration N398J, was parked on the ramp at Wiley Post Airport (PWA) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The single-engine turboprop airplane was not damaged when a line technician was struck and killed by its moving propeller. The aircraft, operated by Oklahoma Cardiovascular Associates, had departed from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) about 2200 and was on an instrument flight rules flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
According to the Oklahoma City Police Department report, the pilot stated that after landing, he taxied to the fixed base operator (FBO). The ramp was dimly lit, and the line technician used lighted wands to guide the airplane to a parking spot. After receiving a stop signal, the pilot stopped the airplane, set the brake, and began shutting down the engine. As he moved the throttle toward the fuel-cut-off position, he heard a loud "thud" and the engine, airplane, and propeller began to vibrate severely. He saw a rapid movement to the left and realized the line technician was tumbling on the ramp. The pilot immediately engaged the fuel-cut-off switch and waited for the propeller to stop. He and a passenger, a physician, exited the aircraft and provided first aid until emergency personnel arrived.
The police report noted that wheel chocks, a shoe, and broken pieces of the lighted wands were found near the propeller.
Pilot and Passengers
The commercial pilot and seven passengers were uninjured. None of the passengers witnessed the accident.
Investigation
The FBO's third shift supervisor was on the ramp but did not witness the impact. He was operating an airplane tug and last saw the technician marshalling the aircraft. He turned away and heard a "thud," then saw the technician critically injured and rolling on the ground toward the left wing tip.
Review of training records showed the line technician completed Professional Line Service Training (PLST) on September 4, 2007. The PLST manual included warnings about propeller danger and rules for marshaling, stating propellers must be completely stopped before chocks are positioned. The technician had received a disciplinary action on October 11, 2007, for chocking a King Air's nose wheel while the engines were still running.
Training and Safety Actions
Following the accident, the FBO issued training Bulletin #08-001, titled Aircraft Propeller Safety, to its 2,600 employees. The bulletin aimed to ensure all personnel recognize propeller hazards and follow safety procedures.