Accident Details
Date
Friday, July 3, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA386
Location
Westminster, MD
Event ID
20090707X62759
Coordinates
39.466945, -77.017776
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 properly set the throttle for start.
Aircraft Information
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
7AC
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7AC
Registered Owner (Current)
Name
LICHTY DONALD D
Address
804 MACE AVE
City
ESSEX
State / Zip Code
MD 21221-4753
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot stated that he attempted to start the engine by "hand-propping." The engine started briefly and then stopped. The pilot added that he then primed the engine but "forgot the throttle in the full open position." He hand-propped the engine again, and it started. The airplane began to accelerate forward and became airborne. The airplane flew down a ravine and collided into trees. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if the airplane had been tied down during the engine start.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA386