N4659H

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-15S/N: 15-368

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 30, 2008
NTSB Number
CEN09CA077
Location
Pleasanton, TX
Event ID
20081201X60125
Coordinates
28.954166, -98.519721
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to adequately secure the airplane while hand-starting the engine.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
15-368
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1948
Model / ICAO
PA-15PA15
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-15

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CROSBY SCOTT E
Address
1770 E ISLAND LAKE DR
City
SHELTON
State / Zip Code
WA 98584-7828
Country
United States

Analysis

Prior to starting the engine, the pilot had tied down the airplane's tail on the ramp with a rope because no wheel chocks were available. After the pilot started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the rope that retained the airplane broke. The pilot attempted to hang onto the airplane in order to regain control, however, he was unsuccessful. The unoccupied airplane then struck a parked aircraft, a fence, and came to rest on its nose against the fence. The pilot was not injured.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA077