Summary
On August 26, 2010, a Columbia Aircraft Mfg LC42-550FG (N1321C) was involved in an incident near Tampa, FL. 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 failure to reduce engine power following a high-powered engine start.
According to the pilot, following the preflight inspection, he entered the airplane, proceeded through the pre-engine start checklist, and set the parking brake. After several failed attempts to start the engine, the pilot increased the power lever setting before another start attempt. The engine subsequently started, and the airplane "abruptly launched forward," and "skidded through the parking [brake]" toward another airplane parked 150 feet directly ahead. The pilot immediately applied right rudder, which turned his airplane to the right; however the right wing struck the propeller and left wing of the parked airplane, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot subsequently exited his airplane uneventfully after it skidded to a stop.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA10CA445. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1321C.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to reduce engine power following a high-powered engine start.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot, following the preflight inspection, he entered the airplane, proceeded through the pre-engine start checklist, and set the parking brake. After several failed attempts to start the engine, the pilot increased the power lever setting before another start attempt. The engine subsequently started, and the airplane "abruptly launched forward," and "skidded through the parking [brake]" toward another airplane parked 150 feet directly ahead. The pilot immediately applied right rudder, which turned his airplane to the right; however the right wing struck the propeller and left wing of the parked airplane, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot subsequently exited his airplane uneventfully after it skidded to a stop. A witness reported hearing the airplane's engine start and described that it sounded as if the airplane was "ready to take off." A photograph revealed tire skid marks leading to and beyond the parked airplane.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA445