Sequence of Events
The pilot departed Cambridge at 1755 hrs and landed at Manchester Airport at 1931 hrs. After landing, the pilot was cleared to taxi to the allocated parking area. Approaching the area, the pilot identified the marshaller, who was wearing a fluorescent coat and holding two illuminated batons. It was dark, and the surface was damp from recent rain. The pilot considered the lighting in the parking area good, braking action good, and maintained a slow taxi speed during maneuvering.
Following a series of turns, the aircraft passed parallel to a hangar on its right before making a final 90° turn to the left. The pilot was concentrating on the marshaller to his left while glancing to the right, aware that the right wingtip was close to the hangar door. Feeling a slight check, the pilot realized the wing had contacted the door, immediately halted the aircraft, and applied the brake.
The pilot signaled to the marshaller by raising his right hand, palm out, indicating he had stopped. As the pilot began shutdown checks, the marshaller appeared at the left window. The marshaller had seen the aircraft stop, noted the pilot's open window, and interpreted the gesture as a signal to approach. They had a brief discussion about the wing contact, after which the marshaller turned and walked away from the aircraft.
Injuries and Damage
As the marshaller walked away, the right sleeve of his coat contacted the rotating propeller. He was drawn into the propeller and ended up on the ground in front of the aircraft, sustaining abrasions to his body and serious injuries to his right hand. The pilot, seeing the contact, switched off the engine and made an emergency call to ATC before leaving the aircraft to assist. Medical personnel arrived at 1954 hrs and transported the injured man to hospital.
Damage to the aircraft was slight: propeller damage and paint scraped from the right wingtip. The crew (pilot) and three passengers were uninjured. The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence with IMC and Night Rating, was 40 years old, and had 285 hours total flying experience (219 on type).