N1639E

Substantial
Serious

AERONCA 7BCMS/N: 7AC-5204

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
NTSB Number
ERA16CA264
Location
Connellsville, PA
Event ID
20160721X24536
Coordinates
39.959167, -79.657501
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to properly set the throttle and secure the airplane before hand-propping the engine for startup.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N1639E
Make
AERONCA
Serial Number
7AC-5204
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
7BCMA270
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
NONE
Status
Deregistered
City
XXXX
State / Zip Code
OK 73125
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he hand-propped the engine, boarded the airplane and began to taxi. Shortly thereafter, the engine "sputtered and stalled." He then realized that he had left the fuel selector in the off position. He set the parking brake, turned the fuel on, exited the airplane and hand-propped the engine again. The engine started and ran at a high rpm. The airplane moved forward and began to spin in circles. The pilot attempted to get back in the cockpit; however, the door had swung closed and the airplane struck him, knocking him to the ground. The airplane spun a few more times before striking a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing, and coming to a stop. Afterward, the pilot recalled that he had forgotten to retard the throttle before attempting the second engine start. The airplane was not equipped with an electric starter.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA16CA264