Near propstrike on the apron — brief guests on propeller risks

aircraft-allbulletin-historicpriority-hightopic-incidenttopic-procedures

Camera crew approached aircraft to ~1 metre while engine was live. Always brief guests on propeller risks before opening doors.

Background

When parking the aircraft on the platform after a flight, a camera crew approached the aircraft to a distance of approximately 1 metre. At the time, the crew was still inside the cockpit with the doors closed. When attempting to set the parking brake, the student accidentally hit the power lever, causing the propeller to start spinning. The instructor took immediate action, set the power lever to cut-off, and gestured to the visitors to back away from the aircraft.

Key points

  • Visitors and external crew (camera, media, family) do not know propeller danger zones
  • Even with engine 'off' thinking, accidental throttle inputs can start the prop
  • The cockpit is a busy workspace during shutdown — mistakes happen
  • A brief before guests approach is mandatory, not optional

    • Required actions

  • Before any guest or external person approaches the aircraft, brief them on the propeller arc and safe distance
  • Keep guests at least 5 metres away until master is off and you've left the cockpit
  • During photo/film shoots, designate one person to supervise the visitors
  • If you see anyone approaching unbriefed, gesture them back immediately

    • Further reading

    Questions about guest management on the platform? Email