By KAREN VELIE
A pilot’s arm was severed during an accident at the Paso Robles Airport on Wednesday.
Shortly before 6 p.m., an 81-year-old pilot from Watsonville was preparing to leave the airport when an airline propeller severed his arm. The accident was caused by pilot error.
First responders transported the man to a local hospital.
The airplane was a pre-50’s tail dragger, and the pilot was likely starting it by hand. Those motors required a very firm grip in case of kick-back, which is a sudden, violent backward jerk of the propeller during engine starting that requires a fair amount of strength to resist, particularly when the oil in the engine is cold. I have a feeling this is precisely what occurred. This brave, well-seasoned aviator deserves a bedside visit with a set of cheerful flowers to wish him well.
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