Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the airplane’s propeller while hand-propping.
NTSB analysis
Unable to get the engine started, the pilot elected to exit the airplane and turn the propeller by hand. The pilot turned off all electrical power and took the keys out of the ignition after turning the magnetos to off prior to exiting the cockpit. As he turned the propeller with both hands his head went beneath the propeller, which struck his head and resulted in a serious injury to the pilot.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA220 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 30, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tamuning
- Nearest airport
- Guam International Airport (GUM)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N733SN
- Category
- Airplane
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.