LAX98LA165

A ground crewman was injured when rotating the propeller before engine start, and the propeller reversed in a 180-degree kickback. The pilot reported that the magnetos had been in the off position and only the master switch was on. An FAA inspector examined the ignition system and found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. He also reported that the aircraft had two 100-hour inspections within the past 2 months, at which time the ignition system was checked with no abnormalities noted.

On May 19, 1998, at 0856 hours mountain standard time, a ground crewman was struck by a propeller while rotating a propeller on a Waco YMF, N43064, at the Sedona, Arizona, airport. The aircraft sustained minor damage. The pilot and passenger, the sole occupants, were not injured; however, the ground crewman suffered serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a local area for-hire sightseeing operation, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The aircraft was parked on the ramp at a fixed-base operator. A ground crewman was pulling the propeller through before starting, and the propeller reversed in a 180-degree kickback. The ground crewman suffered two broken legs, along with other injuries, and was transported to a hospital.

The ground crewman explained that it was the operator's usual practice to have the propeller rotated seven times before starting the engine to distribute oil through the cylinders. He stated that he had not specifically asked the pilot if the magneto switch was turned off, but said that since the pilot asked him to turn the propeller, he had assumed the switch was off. He further stated that he had hand-propped a propeller on several occasions prior to the accident.

The pilot reported that the master avionics switch was turned on. He reported that as the ground crewman pulled the propeller through, he heard the engine kick over. The pilot shut down the master switch and exited the aircraft. He further reported that all other systems were in the off position.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector from the Scottsdale, Arizona, Flight Standards District Office conducted an examination of the ignition system. He reported that the aircraft is equipped with an electric starter. The inspector reported that the magnetos were grounded and he found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. He further reported that the aircraft had two 100-hour inspections within the past 2 months, at which time the ignition system was checked with no abnormalities noted.