Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's accidental extension of his hand into the arc of the turning propeller. Factors include high winds during the docking process.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While taxiing the float-equipped airplane to docking, the pilot shut off the engine ignition, and immediately exited the cabin. He then quickly walked forward on one of the floats in order to keep the aircraft from contacting the dock. As he walked past the propeller, which was still turning, he extended his hand to maintain balance, and the propeller impacted his wrist.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 25, 1994, approximately 1815 Pacific daylight time (PDT), the pilot of a float-equipped DeHavilland DHC-2, N6782L, was struck by the propeller of his aircraft while docking at Friday Harbor Seaplane Base. None of his five passengers were injured, and the aircraft was not damaged. The FAR Part 135 passenger flight, which departed Orcas Island about ten minutes earlier, was operating in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft was on a company VFR flight plan, and there was no ELT activation. According to the pilot, who was taxiing to docking in winds of about 15 knots, he jumped out of the aircraft soon after shutting off the engine ignition. Although the propeller was still turning, he moved quickly to the front of the float so he could keep the aircraft from contacting the dock. As he moved forward on the float, he extended his arm to help maintain balance, and the propeller hit one of his wrists. The pilot's injuries were classified as serious on June 28, 1994. -