Safety Bulletin

August 06, 2001

On Sunday evening, August 5, 2001, one of our affiliate US Airways Express carriers had a tragic accident at Regan Washington National Airport. One of their ramp service agents, while attempting to reposition the main gear chocks on a Dash 8, was struck by the propeller and killed. This agent, although fairly experienced, was new to the station.

We all work around propellers every day that we come to work. We sometimes have a tendency to rush. We also get used to turning propellers. We work around them all the time.

Do Not Get Complacent. Propellers can and will hurt you. Think before you act. Never walk through the prop arc. If you feel yourself getting in a hurry, SLOW DOWN! Complacency and rushing can get you hurt or killed!