Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the operator to shut down aircraft while conducting servicing which resulted in a ground person being struck by the rotating aircraft propeller.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The aerial application airplane completed its last flight for the day and was parked with the engine running for cooling purposes before it was shut down. A ground support person, who was an aircraft loader, assisted in the cleaning of the airplane with the engine running. The loader began rinsing underneath the airplane and progressed inwards toward the wing root. The loader received serious injuries when he stood up and was stuck three times by the rotating propeller.
Source record
Factual narrative
The aerial application airplane completed its last flight for the day and was parked with the engine running for cooling purposes before it was shut down. A ground support person, who was an aircraft loader, assisted in the cleaning of the airplane while the engine was still running. The loader began rinsing underneath the airplane and progressed inwards toward the wing root. The loader received serious injuries when he stood up and was stuck three times by the rotating propeller.