What happened
On April 12, 2025, at approximately 0729H, a Textron Aviation Inc. C152, registration RP-C8798, was involved in a ground accident at the Airworks ramp within the General Aviation area of Mactan-Cebu International Airport. The aircraft, operated by Airworks Aviation Company, Inc., was returning to base following a 150 NM navigation training flight. During the flight, the student pilot reported feeling unwell and dizzy, prompting the flight instructor to take control and terminate the training session.
Upon arrival at the ramp, the flight instructor began performing the engine shutdown checklist. During this process, the student pilot exited the aircraft without waiting for the engine to stop. As the student pilot walked toward the front of the aircraft, the rotating propeller struck them, resulting in serious injuries. The aircraft sustained minor damage, specifically small nicks on the propeller.
The investigation
The AAIIB investigation established that the student pilot had experienced significantly less than the required ten hours of rest prior to the flight, having only approximately two hours and 43 minutes of rest available. The investigation also noted that the flight instructor had recently completed several extended duty periods of up to thirteen consecutive days without a day off.
Furthermore, the inquiry found that the company's training materials lacked specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding safe movement around the aircraft and the propeller danger zone. The investigation also identified a breakdown in Crew Resource Management (CRM), as the student pilot did not communicate the intention to disembark, and the instructor did not provide specific instructions regarding post-flight movement.