"It sounds like this is a combination of a bad procedure by the pilot and the passenger not properly realizing her proximity," Nance said. "One of the things I'd have to look at is why in the world a pilot permitted a passenger to board or deboard while a propeller was turning."
Doesn't that sound more like bad news reporting and at the very best qualifies as lousy research by whomever Nance is? It's common procedure and happens all over the world, all the time, generally without incident. Flight instructors getting out of planes and helicopters, passengers boarding and de-boarding in sightseeing operations, drop zones or spouses jumping out to open gates.
Usually pax should be briefed to approach and depart towards the back of the plane (O-2/337 & pushers excluded) or from the side. I was taught as a kid to do so, trying to remain within vision of the pilot at all times and not to approach without prior eye contact with the pilot. It becomes just as second nature as looking for airplanes prior to crossing active runways. I'd prefer the prop to be standing still, but properly briefed/ or with a guide, it can be done safely.
In the end the absolutely innocent party is the unknowing passenger.
Remember the two Chinese student pilots, flying a cross country together in CA illegally a while back? http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2010/09/01/1551829/family-of-chinese-student-killed.html One saw a ramper, figured they'd be in trouble and ran smack into the propeller.
