Primary finding
Probable cause
Clearance was not maintained by an other person. A factor to the accident was: procedures/directives were inadequate.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While the airplane was standing on the ramp with the engine running, an individual approached the airplane on the right side to deliver a letter to the pilot. At the conclusion of the conversation, the individual closed the door and walked under the right wing strut and forward. The individual did not maintain sufficient clearance from the propeller and was struck on the left arm and shoulder.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 20, 1994, at 1550 Pacific daylight time, an individual was struck by the propeller of a Cessna 152, N159BC, that was standing on the ramp at the Auburn Airport, Auburn, Washington. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was not damaged and the commercial pilot was not injured. The individual sustained serious injuries to her left arm and shoulder. The pilot reported that this individual met him at the airport to deliver a letter to him. The individual approached the airplane from the right side and opened the door. At the conclusion of their conversation, the pilot instructed the individual to walk straight out to the wing tip and remain clear of the propeller. The individual instead, walked out around the right wing strut, then forward and was struck by the moving propeller. -