N12DF

Substantial
Minor

AERONCA 7ACS/N: 7AC-5050

Accident Details

Date
Friday, August 8, 2014
NTSB Number
WPR14CA332
Location
Apple Valley, CA
Event ID
20140810X22316
Coordinates
34.575279, -117.186111
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
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
AERONCA
Serial Number
7AC-5050
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
7ACCH7A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7AC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GAGNE GILBERT R
Address
PO BOX 1641
City
APPLE VALLEY
State / Zip Code
CA 92307-0032
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported, prior to starting the engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After the pilot started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high RPM. The pilot attempted to hang onto the airplane in order to regain control and decrease the throttle, however, he was unsuccessful. The unoccupied airplane then struck a parked helicopter and a fuel station kiosk before coming to a stop. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot reported no preimpact malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation..

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA332