Ignition Key Warning.....

[Cruzinchris]

An article appeared on Kathryn's Report's about someone killed when the engine fired while he was doing a pre-flight inspection. The throttle was off, mixture idle cutoff and the ignition key was in his pocket.
http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2019/07/propeller-contact-with-person-cessna.html

Turns out the key could be removed while in any position in addition to OFF. Apparently it was still R.

Some time ago I noticed that the key on my Beechcraft Sport could be removed in any position. My plane came with several keys. The one I was using was worn pretty bad. Using another key "fixed" the problem.

Everyone should check this on their plane.

 

[PeterNSteinmetz]

Exactly! I tell everyone I fly with to stay out of the propeller arc at all times and if they ever move the prop or around when someone else moves the prop treat it like the engine could turn over...

Seems like a good idea. But how do you reach in to check the alternator belt, or lean underneath to place the tow bar, in something like a 172 without being in the prop arc?