What happened
On January 6, 1999, at approximately 14:35, a Cessna F 150 L (registration F-BVBK) was preparing for a solo flight at the Etampes aerodrome. Following a refueling session conducted by an instructor, the student pilot started the engine while positioned at the apron. After receiving taxi clearance, the pilot noted that the aircraft would not move forward and reported a suspected parking brake issue to the control tower.
During this process, another pilot taxiing nearby alerted the student pilot that a stepladder was positioned in front of the aircraft. In an attempt to clear the obstacle, the student pilot exited the cockpit while the engine was still running. The pilot moved around the front of the aircraft to reach the right landing gear, during which time they struck the rotating propeller.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the contact between the pilot and the propeller. The authorities examined the cockpit procedures, the communication between the aircraft and the tower, and the physical positioning of the aircraft and the obstacle. The investigation established that the engine remained operational and the propeller was in motion when the pilot exited the aircraft to address the obstruction.