Fatal propeller strike during engine start attempt at Osnabrück-Atterheide

Casualties unknown • Osnabrück-Atterheide, DE

A trainee aircraft mechanic was fatally struck by a propeller during an engine start attempt involving an external battery jump-start.

What happened

On December 14, 2009, a Beech A36 was prepared for a VFR flight from Osnabrück-Atterheide (EDWO) to Damme (EDWC). While parked at Hangar 10, the pilot discovered that the aircraft battery lacked sufficient power to start the engine. To resolve the issue, a local aviation maintenance company provided a battery cart and a mechanic.

During the troubleshooting process, the engine could not be started via the aircraft's external power socket due to a failure in the internal external power relay. To bypass this, a jumper cable was used to connect the external battery directly to the aircraft's onboard battery. This procedure required the right upper engine cowling to be opened.

At approximately 11:36 local time, a trainee mechanic approached the front of the aircraft and positioned himself near the propeller area. During an engine start attempt, the engine briefly caught and ran. The rotating propeller struck the trainee, resulting in one fatality.

Probable cause

The fatal accident was caused by the trainee mechanic being positioned within the propeller's arc during an engine start attempt that was being performed with the engine cowling open to facilitate an improvised battery jump-start.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2009-12-14 Beechcraft Beech A36 accident near Osnabrück-Atterheide, DE?

A trainee aircraft mechanic was fatally struck by a propeller during an engine start attempt involving an external battery jump-start.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2009-12-14 involved a Beechcraft Beech A36, at Osnabrück-Atterheide, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fatal accident was caused by the trainee mechanic being positioned within the propeller's arc during an engine start attempt that was being performed with the engine cowling open to facilitate an improvised battery jump-start.

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