The aircraft was a Twin Otter on lease from another skydiving company. It was not moving and was waiting for the next load of skydivers to board when the accident occurred. The employee is an office manager at the Drop Zone and has been there for 3 years.
A photo of the aircraft involved in Sundays accident
As I stated in my Safety Day article, I think that it is very important for us Jump Pilot's to regularly remind skydivers and staff what the proper procedures are while walking near spinning propellers. I'm not saying that the pilot of this particular aircraft did not brief the skydivers and staff, however this accident is a reminder that we need to do it more often.
Talking about it once a year during Safety Day is not enough or this accident would not have happened. I believe that all Drop Zone staff and regular fun jumpers should have a meeting where safety topics are discussed at least once a month. If I was the DZO, it would happen once a week.
There should always be at least one ground crew, usually the person that helps to load the skydivers, standing near the aircraft making sure that no one walks near the spinning propellers. Again, I'm not saying that this company does not have a ground crew person that does that. However, this is a reminder as to why Drop Zones should have one and one that has their duties prioritized.
We all are praying that the injured employee at Start Skydiving makes a full and speedy recovery.