| Crash location | 31.121389°N, 84.126667°W |
| Nearest city | Pelham, GA
31.127685°N, 84.151847°W 1.6 miles away |
| Tail number | N8358G |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 28 Jul 2001 |
| Aircraft type | Cessna A188B |
| Additional details: | None |
On July 28, 2001, about 0940 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A188B, N8358G, registered to an individual, had a ground refueler walk into the propeller while the airplane was standing with the engine operating, at Pelham, Georgia, while on a 14 CFR Part 137 aerial application flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was not damaged and the commercial-rated pilot was not injured. The ground refueler received fatal injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated he had landed and turned around in the parking area to be refueled and loaded with chemical for aerial application. He kept the engine running. Another airplane landed after him, turned around, and parked about 15-20 feet in front of him. The ground refueler added fuel to the left wing tank of the first airplane and then proceeded to add fuel to the right wing tank of his airplane. After adding fuel, the ground refueler replaced the fuel cap and then turned to his right toward the airplane. As he walked forward he was struck by the propeller. The pilot stated he observed the refueler going toward the propeller and attempted to shut down the engine prior to his being struck by the propeller, but could not get the engine shut down in time. The pilot stated the ground refueler had worked at the company for about 4 days, and had received training in ground operations and safety.
Postmortem examination of the refueler was performed Dr. A. Clark, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Moultrie, Georgia, and James Jamerson, Mitchell County Coroner, Pelham, Georgia. The cause of death was attributed to multiple chop injuries by an airplane propeller to the head and torso. Postmortem toxicology tests were performed on specimens obtained from the refueler by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The tests were negative for ethanol and drugs. (See Toxicology Reports.)
The NTSB sent via fax machine an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form to the pilot. The pilot confirmed receipt of the report form. The NTSB did not receive a completed NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report from the pilot or operator.
The ground refueler's inadequate visual lookout resulting in his walking into the rotating propeller of the airplane and receiving fatal injuries.