Even when an aircraft is parked and the engine is off, the hazards are real. Adding people – and animals – into the mix can create a recipe for serious injuries and worse.

Arecreational flight in Canterbury turned exceptionally dangerous when the passenger got out of the stationary aircraft to open a farm gate.

Because the three-wheeled aircraft had landed on a slope on a farm track, the pilot kept the engine running to prevent the plane tipping backwards.

“I asked my friend to get out and open the gate up ahead, so we could get to the flat area and take a break,” the pilot says.

“She’d done it before, and maybe because of that, this time she got out and went straight in the direction of the propeller.

“I let out the biggest scream you can imagine. It was a terrible feeling, as if everything was happening in slow motion.

“Fortunately, the propeller didn’t strike her. I taxied up the hill after she opened the gate and signalled her to meet me at the top.

“We talked about it. She knew there was a propeller there, but she instinctively headed straight towards the gate as if she’d just jumped out of a ute – something she’s done thousands of times.

“There was also a bit of time pressure because there were two other aircraft following us on the trip, waiting to land. She was mortified and shocked when she realised what had nearly happened.”

The pilot says because they were landing on a farm track and not a designated airfield or airstrip, there were “a whole bunch of unknowns” for which he had not prepared.

It hadn’t occurred to him that landing on a slope would mean he had to keep the engine running so the aircraft stayed upright.

And he says he should have briefed his friend to exit the aircraft and walk towards the wing, outside the propeller arc, before heading for the gate.

Good airmanship on the ground

Passengers, visitors, tourists, and photographers are often unfamiliar with the dangers of being around aircraft, so they must be kept safe.

“We’re talking about pilot responsibility here,” says CAA Aviation Safety Advisor Carlton Campbell. “Effective safety around stationary aircraft is good airmanship on the ground.

“This means planning and briefing tasks, acting predictably, communicating clearly, and maintaining situational awareness to prevent conflicts and keep everyone safe.”

Propellers and tail rotors

People moving around a stationary aircraft who are unfamiliar with the environment can struggle to judge the visibility and reach of propellers when they’re in motion. Tail rotors can be even harder to detect and can send loose objects flying.

Carlton’s advice to pilots is straightforward.

“Escort your people and, if you see someone in the area who’s unescorted – even if they’re not with your group – be prepared to step up and make sure they’re appropriately guided. They may not be aware of the risks.”

An unrestrained dog around aircraft is another common occurrence that’s dangerous for people, and the animal itself.

Dogs shouldn’t be on the apron, but it’s surprisingly common for airport personnel to bring their dogs with them. Problems can arise when less well-controlled, offleash dogs decide to go exploring in a manoeuvring area. Pilots should look out for this.

Preventing aircraft movement

Parked aircraft can, and do, move unexpectedly. Wind, uneven surfaces, and loose chocks can all contribute to an aircraft rolling or making unintended contact with people, animals, vehicles, and buildings.

To mitigate the risk, set the brakes properly and insert control locks, chocks, and tie-downs suited to the conditions.

Aircraft should be moved using approved push points or a towbar, which helps prevent both structural damage and sudden, unpredictable movements.

Rushing and complacency

Sometimes the hazard around the stationary aircraft isn’t physical, but stems from humans being human, such as being in a hurry and slipping into comfortable routines, which fail to anticipate danger.

This can arise from simple incidents, such as a person’s hat blowing off as they approach the aircraft. The person reacts, rushes to catch it, and runs the risk of making contact with a spinning propeller they don’t see. As the pilot at the centre of our story advises, “Never assume someone is going to do what you expect them to do.”

The key takeaway

Pilots are always responsible for their passengers, and anyone else moving around, whenever they’re in a manoeuvring area.

Footnote

Main photo: iStock.com/Mystockimages