If I might add one thing... if you are not using a hold back device, be prepared for the plane to move ahead. Keep the electric starter cone on the spinner. You can hold the plane off you until you can safely move...

Consider this a line of final defense. Use plane hold back devices and all proper safety devices to start your plane.

Finally to the OP thank you for posting that gruesome picture.... one look at that will keep you from being careless, it should be posted a couple of times each year... better to see that, then to go through what he did.

I have someone that I am going to make a copy for.

You guys that don't believe a guy that tells you what happened are just conspiracy theorists in training... have you ever seen what an airplane prop does to another aircraft? Same thing. I have no doubt that this injury was caused EXACTLY as described.