Dash 8-100
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Total 25000
Other / Unknown; Situational Awareness
Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors
While completing briefings and flight planning and waiting for final weight and balance numbers; My First Officer (FO) brought to my attention that a pickup truck to the right side of aircraft began moving backwards (No driver).It was moving parallel to aircraft and there was a concern it was going to hit engine. I initially reached for the #2 fuel off handle to secure engine before impact (engine was static). We realized it was going to miss engine but would hit fuselage. I immediately released my 5 point and exited aircraft. I ran to rear of Aircraft but was in fear it would impact; so I dove under Aircraft belly and managed to dive in truck and slam on the break. I broke my glasses and ripped my uniform but fortunately was able to stop the truck about a foot from tail skid and fuselage. I then secured the vehicle away from Aircraft and turned it off; breaks set; engine off in gear. I believe good situational awareness and the timely notification by my FO led to our reaction to prevent a more serious event. I believe it was an honest error; but may have been caused by the manager needing to cover for lack of ground crew. He appeared after we called ramp for baggage loading. I reacted the best I could to prevent Aircraft damage and possible PAX injury. Not sure about the manning problem; but adherence to safe vehicle securing around an active gate area is key. Also placement where if movement occurs it will not be towards the Aircraft.
DHC8-100 Captain detects a pickup truck rolling backward toward the aircraft during cockpit set up and dashes outside to apply the brake before a collision can occur.