Executive summary
During boarding in adverse weather conditions for a flight from Wellington to Tauranga, a passenger was pushed sideways by a wind gust as she approached the airstair. Attempting to regain her balance, she walked into a blade tip of the four bladed left propeller which had been feathered on shutdown and was stationary but had been partially rotated by the wind from the normal parked position. The passenger received a cut forehead which required 13 stitches. Safety recommendations were made to the Airport company and the Operator.
Related Recommendations
The company require restraining of at least the left propeller on SAAB 340 aircraft at all times during turnaround.
The company allocate staff to provide positive supervision of embarking and disembarking passengers on open apron areas.
The company consider the use of portable "fences" and guidance signs to enhance passenger control on open apron areas.
The passenger walkway markings at Gates 12 to 14 be modified to suit the types of aircraft most frequently using these positions (SAAB and Metroliner).