What happened
On September 7, 2014, at 10:20 hours, a Cessna 150 G (registration CX-BEW) was taxiing across the apron toward a fueling station at SUAA. The engine was running in preparation for a scheduled flight instruction session. On board the aircraft were an instructor and a student pilot.
During the taxiing process, the student pilot exited the aircraft to assist in moving another aircraft positioned ahead of the Cessna 150 G. While performing this task, the student's left arm came into contact with the rotating propeller, resulting in a deep laceration. Emergency medical services were summoned to the scene and transported the student to a medical center.
Although the injury was classified as superficial—not involving bones, tendons, or major arteries—the wound required sutures and the recovery process, including the restoration of muscle mass and scarring, lasted approximately one year.
The investigation
The CIAIA investigation established that the student pilot had completed 20 hours of flight instruction but had not yet undergone formal theoretical training or specific courses regarding aircraft operational safety. The instructor involved was highly experienced, holding over 7,000 flight hours and valid certifications.
At the time of the incident, the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid. The investigation focused on the actions taken on the ground and the lack of safety precautions regarding the active engine during ground maneuvers.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the contact between the moving propeller and the student pilot's left arm.
- The student pilot exited the aircraft to assist with the movement of another aircraft while the engine was still running.
- There was a lack of adequate safety oversight regarding ground operations, as the instructor did not prevent the student from exiting the aircraft or ensure necessary precautions were taken while the engine was operational.
- The student pilot lacked formal theoretical and operational safety training.
Safety action
- The investigation noted that the instructor bears responsibility for all aspects of aircraft operation, including ground safety, and should have warned the student to take necessary precautions or ensured the engine was shut down before the student exited the aircraft.
- It is emphasized that student pilots must complete theoretical and operational safety courses to mitigate risks during ground and flight operations.