Probable cause
The flight instructor’s decision to remove the nosewheel chock while the engine was still operating.
NTSB analysis
After engine start, the student pilot and the flight instructor realized that the airplane’s nosewheel chock was still in place. The flight instructor decided to deplane to remove the chock without shutting down the engine. After removing the chock, the flight instructor moved to signal the student pilot that the chock was removed. In the process, the flight instructor made physical contact with the spinning propellor, resulting in serious injury. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA23LA055 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 9, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Lehigh Valley International Ai (ABE)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N8543E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.