Summary
On November 26, 2006, a Cessna 172S (N380SP) was involved in an accident near Warroad, MN. All 1 person aboard were uninjured.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The propeller striking the individual who was positioning the propeller in anticipation of hand-propping the engine.
The propeller impacted the individual preparing to hand-prop an engine. The pilot stated that the cranking power of the airplane's battery was diminished because the airplane had been parked outside for an extended time in below freezing temperatures. The pilot was not able to get the engine started using the electric starter. The pilot reported that an acquaintance suggested hand-propping the engine, to which the pilot agreed. The pilot reported that when the accident occurred he was seated in the airplane operating the engine controls. The pilot stated that the magnetos were off and the mixture lever was positioned at idle-cutoff. The pilot reported that as the individual positioned the propeller for the maximum leverage it "snapped [back]" due to cylinder compression.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI07CA027. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N380SP.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The propeller striking the individual who was positioning the propeller in anticipation of hand-propping the engine.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The propeller impacted the individual preparing to hand-prop an engine. The pilot stated that the cranking power of the airplane's battery was diminished because the airplane had been parked outside for an extended time in below freezing temperatures. The pilot was not able to get the engine started using the electric starter. The pilot reported that an acquaintance suggested hand-propping the engine, to which the pilot agreed. The pilot reported that when the accident occurred he was seated in the airplane operating the engine controls. The pilot stated that the magnetos were off and the mixture lever was positioned at idle-cutoff. The pilot reported that as the individual positioned the propeller for the maximum leverage it "snapped [back]" due to cylinder compression. The propeller impact fractured the individual's skull.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA027