NTSB Factual Report

On July 11, 1994, at 1200 eastern daylight time, the pilot was struck by the propeller while attempting to hand prop a WSK- PZL, Wilga 80, N7080B, at Harford County Airport, Churchville, Maryland. The pilot received serious injuries and the airplane was not damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight which was operating under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the FAA, the airplane engine was a 260 horse power radial. It was normally started with compressed air; however, the air reservoir was empty. The ignition system used a "shower of sparks" system for starting. The pilot had requested another pilot to sit in one of the pilot seats and hold the brakes. The engine was primed and the magneto switch turned on.

The accident occurred when the pilot started to pull the propeller blade through while his head was still within the arc of the rotating propeller blades. One cylinder fired, and the propeller blades rotated, and one blade struck the pilot in the head.

Due to injuries received by the pilot, he was unable to the complete the NTSB Form 6120.1/2. The form was filled out and submitted by the FAA.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURE BY THE PILOT.