# NTSB investigations: Propeller/rotor contact to person

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 4 · 182 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC08LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08LA028.md): Bell 407 · Morristown, TN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 9, 2007 · N555BH · No damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the idling main rotor blade. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to comply with the manufacturer's procedure for securing the helicopter.
- [NTSB LAX07LA270](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07LA270.md): Hughes 369D · Ellensburg, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 8, 2007 · N31HM · No damage
  > The passenger's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain clearance from the rotating main rotor disc while the helicopter was hovering. An uphill terrain condition was a factor
- [NTSB DFW07IA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07IA193.md): Cessna A188B · Colorado City, TX · Incident · 1 fatal · Incident investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 2007 · N9561G · No damage
  > The pilot's failure to maintain clear of the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB DFW07CA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA189.md): Mitsubishi MU-2B-36 · Hobby Airport, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 22, 2007 · N6KF · No damage
  > The failure of the ramp employee to maintain clearance from the rotating propeller. A contributing factor was the prevailing night conditions.
- [NTSB LAX07CA214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX07CA214.md): Aeronca 7AC · Clarksburg, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 8, 2007 · N2869E · Minor damage
  > The pilot's inadequate hand-prop starting procedure and failure to secure the airplane.
- [NTSB DFW07CA069](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA069.md): Cessna 172 · Lancaster, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 11, 2007 · N124SJ · No damage
  > The spectator's inadvertent contact with the turning propeller while the airplane was standing with the engine operating. A contributing factor was the dark night conditions.
- [NTSB CHI07CA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI07CA027.md): Cessna 172S · Warroad, MN · Accident · Serious injuries · Data collection · Final report · Nov 26, 2006 · N380SP · No damage
  > The propeller striking the individual who was positioning the propeller in anticipation of hand-propping the engine.
- [NTSB DEN06LA103](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN06LA103.md): Ayres S2R-G10 · Dexter, NM · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 22, 2006 · N3298Y · No damage
  > The pilot's failure to remain clear of the airplane's propeller resulting in the propeller contacting the pilot and causing fatal injuries to the pilot.
- [NTSB LAX06LA213](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX06LA213.md): Cessna T210M · Hayward, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2006 · N761GW · No damage
  > The passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB DFW06IA151](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06IA151.md): Bell 206L-1 · South Pass 57 (Gulf of Mexico) · Incident · Serious injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 6, 2006 · N272M · No damage
  > The passenger's failure to follow procedures associated with operations in the vicinity of the helicopter and his failure to see/avoid the tail rotor of the helicopter.
- [NTSB IAD05LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD05LA135.md): Sikorsky S-76B · Linden, NJ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 2005 · N14CS · No damage
  > The lineman's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the main rotor system. A factor was his lack of familiarity with the accident helicopter make and model.
- [NTSB LAX05LA073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05LA073.md): Cessna 172SP · Casa Grande, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 19, 2005 · N2157H · No damage
  > the pilot's inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller. Contributing factors were the dark night conditions and the pilot's fatigued condition.
- [NTSB CHI05LA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI05LA028.md): Saab-Scania 340B · Milwaukee, WI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 14, 2004 · N305CE · No damage
  > Failure of the ramp employee to maintain clearance to the rotating propeller resulting in inadvertent contact with a propeller blade.
- [NTSB DFW05LA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW05LA010.md): Saab-Scania SF-340B · Fort Worth, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 2004 · N376AE · No damage
  > The ground personnel's failure to maintain clearance from the propeller. Contributing factors were the ground personnel's failure to comply with procedures/directives and the ground personnel's failure to properly use equipment.
- [NTSB NYC04LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC04LA058.md): Cessna U206G · Kelleys Island, OH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 16, 2004 · N9940M · Minor damage
  > The pilot's improper decision to unload passengers and leave the airplane unattended while the engine was running, and the passenger's inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller. A factor related to the…
- [NTSB LAX04LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA089.md): Cessna 172L · Vacaville, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2003 · N7668G · No damage
  > the pilot's inadequate hand prop starting procedure.
- [NTSB MIA04LA024](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA04LA024.md): Beech BE-76 · Daytona Beach, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 2003 · N6013M · No damage
  > The pilot's improper starting procedure which led to inadvertent activation of the propeller.
- [NTSB LAX04LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04LA045.md): OMF OMF-100-160 · Van Nuys, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2003 · N290MF · Minor damage
  > the pilot's failure to either brief the passenger about disembarking from an airplane with the propeller running or to shutdown the engine during the passenger's disembarkation. The night lighting condition and the passenger's lack of familiarity with…
- [NTSB LAX03LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA280.md): Piper PA-28-161 · Sacramento, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 2003 · N9141Y · No damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection and the bystander's failure to maintain clearance with the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB IAD03LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD03LA036.md): Cessna R172K · Richmond, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 15, 2003 · N1444V · No damage
  > The passenger's failure to remain clear of the propeller. Factors included the passenger's recent use of marijuana, the pilot's inadequate pre-flight inspection, and the night lighting conditions.
- [NTSB NYC02LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02LA199.md): Cessna 208B · Pawtucket, RI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 2002 · N9347B · No damage
  > The parachutist's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, which resulted in contact with the operating propeller of a parked airplane.
- [NTSB CHI02LA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI02LA232.md): Bell 412 · Rantoul, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2002 · N464AC · Minor damage
  > The congested takeoff and landing area and the low altitude flight maneuver performed by the pilot.
- [NTSB MIA02LA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA02LA134.md): Saab-Scania SF340B · Tupelo, MS · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 2002 · N403XJ · No damage
  > The failure of the ground agent to follow procedures and directives and to maintain a visual lookout due to a diversion of attention caused by paperwork being sucked toward the rotating propeller, resulting in collision between her hand and the propeller.
- [NTSB DCA01MA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DCA01MA056.md): de Havilland Dash 8-100 · Washington, DC · Accident · 1 fatal · Major investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 2001 · N935HA · Minor damage
  > The ramp agent's impaired performance due to his hyperthyroidism, which was exacerbated by the heat and was inadequately controlled by medication, and possibly also due to the use of an antianxiety medication.
- [NTSB MIA01LA199](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA01LA199.md): Cessna A188B · Pelham, GA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 2001 · N8358G · No damage
  > The ground refueler's inadequate visual lookout resulting in his walking into the rotating propeller of the airplane and receiving fatal injuries.
- [NTSB CHI01LA167](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI01LA167.md): de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter · Ottawa, IL · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 16, 2001 · N30EA · Minor damage
  > the failure of the passenger to maintain clearance from the windmilling propeller after exiting the airplane.
- [NTSB FTW01LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01LA081.md): Sikorsky SK-76A · Ec 270 · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 20, 2001 · N376AL · No damage
  > the passenger's inadvertent encounter with the rotating main rotor blades.
- [NTSB CHI00LA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI00LA072.md): Cessna 180 · Tower, MN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 20, 2000 · N6545A · No damage
  > the passenger not maintaining clearance from the rotating propeller.
- [NTSB DEN00LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN00LA039.md): Piper PA-24-250 · Albuquerque, NM · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 9, 2000 · N6034P · No damage
  > The pilot's failure to comply with proper procedures for engine startup by failing to disengage the magneto prior to hand-turning the propeller.
- [NTSB LAX00LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX00LA018.md): Sikorsky CH-54A · Elko, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 16, 1999 · N9125M · No damage
  > the flight engineer's decision to climb a step ladder that put him in close proximity to the still turning main rotor blades. The gusting wind was a factor in the accident.
- [NTSB LAX99LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA263.md): Partenavia P68C · Kaunakakai, HI · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 5, 1999 · N4234L · Minor damage
  > The prospective passenger's intentional act of bypassing proscribed airport procedures for boarding aircraft. A factor was the failure of another operator's ground personnel to comply with ramp access restrictions.
- [NTSB FTW99FA201](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99FA201.md): Aerospatiale ATR-42-500 · Little Rock, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1999 · N14451 · Minor damage
  > The station manager's inadvertent encounter with the rotating propeller due to his diverted attention.
- [NTSB FTW99LA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA131.md): Bell 206B · Brazoria 440l · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 30, 1999 · N35WH · No damage
  > The failure of the platform worker to maintain clearance with the turning tail rotor blades. A factor was the inadequate coordination between the pilot and the passengers pertaining to procedures for disembarking from the helicopter.
- [NTSB NYC99LA063](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA063.md): Piper PA 32R-301 · Dulles, VA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Feb 21, 1999 · N3559U · No damage
  > The FBO employee's diverted attention, resulting in an inadvertent encounter with a rotating propeller.
- [NTSB NYC99LA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC99LA027.md): Beech C35 · London, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 25, 1998 · N244L · No damage
  > The pilot's inadequate start procedure in which he fail to secure the aircraft from movement during an attempt to handprop the engine.
- [NTSB LAX99LA019](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99LA019.md): Cessna 182Q · Fresno, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 1998 · N5352N · No damage
  > The pilot's decision to allow unescorted passengers to approach the aircraft with the engine running, and, the passenger's failure to see and avoid the rotating propeller. A factor in the accident was the low ambient lighting conditions, which would have made…
- [NTSB ANC98TA162](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98TA162.md): Hughes 369D · Homer, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Sep 27, 1998 · N1091P · Minor damage
  > The passenger not following the instructions given by the pilot. Contributing factors were the rising terrain and the pilot's diverted attention during the toe in landing.
- [NTSB ATL98LA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA120.md): Cessna 172 · Sewanee, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1998 · N6720A · No damage
  > The inadequate visual lookout by the ground pedestrian. A factor was dark night conditions.
- [NTSB ANC98LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA112.md): de Havilland DHC-2 · Nondalton, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 30, 1998 · N123EF · No damage
  > The pilot's inadequate procedures/directives when he allowed a passenger to exit the cabin area while the propeller was still turning, and the passenger's failure to follow the pilot's instructions to stay away from the propeller. A factor associated with the…
- [NTSB LAX98LA165](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA165.md): Waco YMF · Sedona, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 19, 1998 · N43064 · Minor damage
  > The failure of the pilot to secure the ignition system and magnetos in the off position before asking the ground crewman to rotate the propeller.
- [NTSB MIA98LA119](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA119.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Charlotte, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 1998 · N4594F · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's failure to follow proper starting procedures.
- [NTSB LAX97LA262](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA262.md): Bell 206B · Pollock Pines, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1997 · N123WF · No damage
  > the passenger's failure to recognize and avoid the hazard associated with the rotating tail rotor. The operator/event organizer's lack of ground facilities or support personnel to assist/control passenger access to the helipad was a related factor.
- [NTSB NYC97LA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA106.md): Piper PA-17 · Mansfield, MA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 7, 1997 · N4832H · Minor damage
  > The inadequate procedure for hand-prop starting of the engine.
- [NTSB CHI97LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA140.md): Aerospatiale AS-365-N2 · Indianapolis, IN · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · May 21, 1997 · N653CN · No damage
  > inadequate visual clearance by the passenger resulting in his being struck with the rotor blade. A factor relating to this accident was the gusting winds.
- [NTSB FTW97LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA026.md): Piper PA-28C-180 · Sterling, CO · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 24, 1996 · N9020J · No damage
  > improper starting procedure used by the airport employee. Factors relating to the accident were: the inoperative starter, and failure of the pilot to seek proper assistance.
- [NTSB CHI96FA323](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96FA323.md): Globe GC-1B · Hampshire, IL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 31, 1996 · N570SR · Minor damage
  > improper use of the mini-bike by the driver. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the unlighted mini-bike, and insufficient standards required by the residents of the airstrip concerning use of the taxiways at night.
- [NTSB MIA96LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA135.md): de Havilland DHC-6 · Raeford, NC · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 27, 1996 · N716NC · No damage
  > failure of the passenger to follow the instructions of ground personnel as she exited the aircraft.
- [NTSB FTW96LA161](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA161.md): Bensen Gyroplane · Carthage, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 4, 1996 · NONE · Minor damage
  > the pilot's inadequate coordination with the spectator, concerning the spectator's need to remain clear of the takeoff area, and the spectator's failure to remain clear of the takeoff area. A factor relating to the accident was: the spectator's distorted…
- [NTSB FTW96LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA142.md): Cessna 150F · Jasper, TX · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 2, 1996 · N8642S · Minor damage
  > Failure of the pilot to ensure that the other person (outside the airplane) remained clear of the operating propeller, and failure of the other person to maintain awareness of the hazardous condition. A factor relating to the accident was: the other person…
- [NTSB ATL95LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL95LA143.md): Cessna 172N · Kill Devil Hill, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 25, 1995 · N5415J · No damage
  > The attempt by the pilots to perform the unfamiliar procedure of starting the airplane's engine by hand.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?occurrence=370&page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 370)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=370

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