19990805010769A

Paragon air acft was parked and running in a non-movement area when a person ran through an opened gate and into the propeller severing his arm, other circumstances are unknown. (.19) on August 5, 1999, about 0741 hours hawaiian standard time, a partenavia P68C, N4234L, operated by paragon air, inc., haiku, Hawaii, was preparing to taxi for takeoff from the Kaunakakai/Molokai Airport, Hawaii, when a late arriving passenger walked into its operating left engine's propeller. The passenger was seriously injured, and the airplane sustained minor damage. Neither the airline transport certificated pilot nor the other four passengers, who were on board, were injured. The on-demand air taxi flight was performed under 14 CFR part 135. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a company flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that five passengers had chartered his airplane to initially transport them between the Kaunakakai and kalaupapa airports, on the island of Molokai. The accident passenger failed to show up at the boarding gate. The four passengers passed through the airport's security system, walked to the airplane, and boarded. Then, the engines were started in preparation for taxiing. The pilot further stated that airport ground personnel indicated the fifth (prospective) passenger arrived at the departure gate and observed that it was closed. He found access to the ramp, and without going through a boarding gate, rapidly proceeded toward the airplane. The passenger approached the airplane from behind, and he was not observed by the pilot until being struck by the left engine's propeller. The pilot also stated that when the accident occurred the airplane was not moving. He was in the process of obtaining taxi instructions from the air traffic control facility. (.4)five passengers had chartered the airplane for a flight. Four of the passengers arrived at the airport, passed through the operator's boarding gate and entered the airplane. The pilot prepared to taxi for takeoff, started the engines, and performed other related duties in the cockpit. The late arriving fifth adult (prospective) passenger arrived at the airport and attempted to gain access to the ramp area where the airplane was parked. The passenger was described by witnesses as being 'frantic' and looking 'very upset." He made several attempts to gain access via closed terminal gates and was observed to bang on closed glass doors while yelling "that's my plane, that's my plane" in an attempt to acquire attention. The passenger located a nearby open and unguarded freight-loading gate next to the terminal. He passed through the unattended gate, ran toward the airplane while waving his arms,and contacted the left engine's rotating propeller. An investigation of the gate area revealed the area was marked with signs stating "keep out restricted area" and "authorized airport employees only beyond this point". The gate was being used for freight movement by a different operator, whose loader had left the gate open while handling cargo in another area. Under FAA and state regulations, the company's freight loader had a responsibility to ensure that the gate was secure from entry by unauthorized persons at all time.