# NTSB NYC93LA172: Bellanca 7ECA, N82819, Ashland, NH, August 23, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1993, 14:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Ashland, NH
- Location: 43.6959° N, 71.6348° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Ashland, NH, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6959&lon=-71.6348&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Standing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/150) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal
- Status: Completed, report September 13, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38645
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC93LA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38645/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC93LA172

## Probable cause

The pilot's improper decision to leave the airplane unattended with the engine operating.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Propeller/rotor contact to person, standing - engine(s) operating
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STARTED THE ENGINE OF HIS AIRCRAFT, DEPLANED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING , AND HE WALKED INTO THE PATH OF THE ROTATING PROPELLER.  WITNESSES SAID THERE WERE OTHER AIRCRAFT OPERATING AROUND THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT AT THE TIME. ONE WITNESS SAID THAT WHEN THE PILOT WAS IN THE AIRCRAFT, ANOTHER AIRCRAFT TAXIED BY, BLOWING DUST.  IT WAS THEREAFTER THAT THE PILOT DEPLANED THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT.

## Factual narrative

On Monday, August 23, 1993, at 1415 eastern daylight time, Mr. James W. Prescott, the pilot a Bellanca 7ECA, N82819, was fatally injured at the Pemi-Riverside Airport, Ashland, New Hampshire.  The airplane was not damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.  The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91.

The pilot started the engine in preparation for departure, but had not commenced taxiing.  Another airplane was conducting an engine run up in front of N82819.  A witness, the airport manager, saw Mr. Prescott exit his airplane and walk towards the engine, where he was struck by the propeller.

The Ashland Police Department conducted an investigation, and in a report stated:

It appears other aircraft were being operated            at the time of the accident.  According to           witnesses...an aircraft from the Plymouth           Flying Club...was taxiing to the runway.  The           aircraft taxied by Prescott's aircraft, producing           a good amount of dust.  This dust was being blown           towards Prescott's aircraft.  [The witnesses]           both stated that Prescott left his aircraft, with            the propeller and engine running.  He walked into           the propeller, coming from the rear of the aircraft           towards the front, on the right side facing the           propeller.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N82819](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N82819), registered now, S/N 7AC-3362 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7ac) (registry code 2110102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC-3362
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: No damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James W. Prescott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NH12, PLYMOUTH, NH
- Airport: NONE, Pemi-Riverside

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 250 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Temperature: 75 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19930823030109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930823030109A), Aug 23, 1993: Bbavia 7AC, Ashland, NH, 1 fatal. Departed aircraft with engine idling to admonish another aircraft pilot blowing dust and dirt. Walked into prop.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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