Primary finding
Probable cause
The ground service person's lack of attention and failure to remain clear of the turning propeller.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The aircraft was parked in the chemical loading area, and was unoccupied with the engine running. Subsequently, a ground crew member, who was loading chemicals, walked into the turning propeller and received fatal injuries.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 19, 1995, at 1500 central daylight time, a ground crew member was fatally injured when he walked into a turning propeller at McGehee, Arkansas. The aircraft, which was not damaged, was an Air Tractor AT502, N4536Q, operating under 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. At the time of the accident, the engine was running and the aircraft was unoccupied. The ground crew member was loading chemicals and walked into the turning propeller. The experience level, qualifications, and training of the ground crew member is unknown. -