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The pilot is responsible for stopping the engine before the passenger exits. In this case it is by pulling the mixture knob back and starving the engine of fuel. Standard procedure for a normally aspirated engine.
That sheds some light on the situation.
What I don't understand is why the pilots insurance company paid out more for the sublimit of $100,000 (which was reported in the news) for Bodily Injury per passenger. Did the insurance company just set a precedent?? I wonder if other accidents where a passenger gets injured would the insurance companies now have to pay more for injuries due to this case of ignoring the sublimit?
I think the problem for them was arguing that she was no longer a passenger was going to potentially be an expensive debate they may or may not win. I don't think it's going to start a wave of women walking into plane propellers.
I really do feel bad for the girl; I would hate to lose a hand or an eye, regardless of the settlement amount.