Cessna 172N N4702F accident near Geneva, Florida

Probable cause

The passenger’s failure to adhere to the pilot’s instructions to stay away from the front of the airplane when the engine was operating.

NTSB analysis

The pilot had previously flown two passengers on separate flights. They reported that the pilot briefed them that they were to enter and exit the airplane at all times from the right rear and that, at no time, should they be near or in front of the airplane while the engine was operating. A third passenger boarded the airplane from the right rear, and the flight departed for a local flight. The pilot reported that, after landing and with the engine still running, he briefed the passenger to deplane to the rear. The passenger exited the airplane and closed the door. However, instead of walking to the rear as instructed, she cleared the right wing lift strut and walked forward. The pilot yelled to her to stop but not before the propeller contacted her arm, causing a serious injury.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA248 for the full record.