N6319Z – Piper PA-25-180 – 2006-09-17 NTSB Accident Report

On September 17, 2006, a Piper PA-25-180 (N6319Z) was involved in an incident near Mount Holly, NJ. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's improper starting procedure, which resulted in an uncontrolled taxi, and collision with a parked airplane.

According to the pilot, after loading his equipment bag in the front of the Piper PA-25-180, he pressed on each wing lift strut to verify that the brakes were set and then attempted to hand start the engine. He was able to start the engine, however; it "immediately came to full power." He then attempted to reach the cockpit, but was unable. The airplane moved forward, and struck a parked airplane. Both airplanes were substantially damaged. The pilot believed that when he placed his bag in the airplane, it may have "pushed the throttle forward." According to FAA publication FAA-P-8740-20, "No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls."

This incident is documented in NTSB report NYC06CA225. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6319Z.