N4653H

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-17S/N: 17-63

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
NTSB Number
CEN15CA410
Location
Delphi, IN
Event ID
20150914X05723
Coordinates
40.543056, -86.681388
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 attempt to start the engine by himself without properly securing the airplane.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
17-63
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-17PA17
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-17

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
1209 FALLS CHURCH RD
City
RALEIGH
State / Zip Code
NC 27609-4011
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot's written statement, he had recently purchased the airplane. The airplane was not equipped with a starter nor did it have a parking brake. Up until this time, the pilot had used someone else to hand prop the engine while he sat at the controls. This was the pilot's first attempt to start the engine by himself. The airplane was not tied down nor chocked. The engine started on the second attempt. The pilot said he had either primed the engine too much or had the throttle set too high. When the engine started, it accelerated to high RPM and the airplane taxied across the tarmac and collided with an airport-owned hangar. There was an intention for flight. The pilot admitted his "lack of experience with this aircraft and [his] overly-high confidence level [was the cause of the] accident."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN15CA410