Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's improper start procedure which resulted in an unintentional engine start, and unoccupied aircraft collision with hangar structure.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On December 26, 2002, about 0615 central standard time, a Piper PA-30, N752CF, registered to Security 4 It Inc., and operated by an individual, impacted with a hangar door at the Tallahassee Regional Airport, Tallahassee, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The commercial-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time.
According to the pilot he pulled the airplane from the hangar and was intending to fly to Miami. He could not start the left engine because he believed that the bendix starter had remained engaged. Unable to start the engine, he got out of the airplane and proceeded to pull the propeller. The pilot stated that the "...left propeller was moved. The engine started unexpectedly. The aircraft struck a hanger door with the engine running." The pilot told the police "...the engine started since the switches had been left on the on position."
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA03CA037