N32132

Substantial
Minor

WACO UPF-7S/N: 5764

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 4, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA375
Location
Manteo, NC
Event ID
20090706X93541
Coordinates
35.918888, -75.695556
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
3
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper decision to exit the airplane, with the engine operating. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent throttle movement by the passenger.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
WACO
Serial Number
5764
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
UPF-7WACF
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
UPF-7

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ERICKSON KIRK E
Address
PO BOX 879
City
WARROAD
State / Zip Code
MN 56763-0879
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot was giving scenic rides in the vintage airplane. The airplane was parked on the ramp, with the engine operating, and two passengers seated in the front seat. The pilot stated he set the parking brake, and exited the airplane to secure a baggage latch, when one of the passengers "bumped" the throttle. The passenger seated in the left front seat stated that he and his wife were escorted to, and seated in the airplane, while the pilot was talking with a passenger from the previous flight. He further stated that he was in the airplane for a few seconds, when he turned, and then heard the engine sound increase. The airplane accelerated across the ramp, and struck a parked airplane. Damage to the airplane consisted of bent left wing struts with the upper left wing bent downward approximately 30 degrees, and a bent left aileron. The passenger further stated that he did not receive any pre-boarding instructions or a pre-flight briefing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. It was noted that the engine controls were located on the left side wall of the cabin.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA375