AAIB investigation to DHC-1 Chipmunk 22, G-BXHF 4 March 2019
Propeller struck pilot during engine priming, Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, 4 March 2019.
Summary:
The pilot stated that he was planning on flying the aircraft to Solent Airport, Hampshire, for its annual inspection. After two failed attempts to start the engine, which involved priming the engine by rotating the propeller by hand, the pilot vacated the cockpit for a third time to prime the engine again. However, when he rotated the propeller the engine kicked over and it struck his hand causing serious injuries. A doctor and paramedic from the resident air ambulance were quickly in attendance and the pilot was subsequently flown to a specialist trauma hospital, where he stayed for 10 days.
It was subsequently discovered that prior to the third prime the pilot had not turned the magnetos OFF; he was not able to explain this omission.
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