This January 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 210. Location: Bessemer, Ala. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to hand-prop the airplane to get it started. The airplane was outside an open hangar with a passenger in the right seat. During the first attempt, the engine “cranked but stopped.” Before the second attempt, the pilot increased the throttle. When the engine came to life it overpowered the parking brake, and the airplane began to move forward, increasing in speed until it hit another airplane in an open hangar. There was no report of the passenger’s flight experience, if any, or if an attempt was made to stop the Cessna before it hit the other airplane.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to properly secure the airplane before attempting to hand-prop the engine.
For more information: NTSB.gov
