N83032

Substantial
Serious

Aeronca 7ACS/N: 7AC-1688

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
NTSB Number
CEN20CA120
Location
Ankeny, IA
Event ID
20200312X82517
Coordinates
41.695278, -93.568611
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's improper starting procedure, which allowed the airplane to move forward over the wheel chocks and impact him and a hangar when he subsequently hand propped the engine.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AERONCA
Serial Number
7AC-1688
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
7ACCH7A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7AC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
VINTAGE FLYING CLUB
Address
3704 SE CONVENIENCE BLVD
City
ANKENY
State / Zip Code
IA 50021
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot attempted to hand-prop the airplane's engine without success. He turned off the magneto switch and advanced the throttle to between ½ to ¾ travel and then turned the propeller backwards 5-6 times to clear the cylinders. The pilot reported that he returned to the cockpit and turned the magneto switch back to the on position but did not put the throttle back to idle. He hand-propped the airplane a second time and the engine started. The engine's throttle setting allowed the airplane to move forward over the wheel chocks, and the airplane struck the pilot. A passenger was still in the airplane as it collided with a hangar, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane's firewall and fuselage. The pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger was not injured.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN20CA120