We report results from scattering state spectroscopic studies of the excited state reaction K*(5p P-2) + H-2 --> KH(v ", J ") + H. The final state resolved action spectra allow a direct measurement of essential features of the excited state potential surfaces, including regions of local maxima and minima. We observe a pronounced blue-wing-red-wing asymmetry in the reactive to nonreactive branching ratio, peaking in the neighborhood of a strong blue wing satellite. These results show that the dominant reaction pathway passes over a small activation barrier (350 +/- 100 cm(-1)) in Sigma(+)-like orbital alignment. This result is consistent with an electron jump mechanism through a K+H-H ion-pair intermediate. In contrast, approach in II-like alignment leads predominantly to nonreactive scattering. Our results suggest that a combination of steric and energetic effects determine the major quenching pathways for alkali metal atom-H-2 systems.