The pilot reported, prior to starting the Aeronca 7AC’s engine in preparation for flight, he verified the throttle position and chocked the right main landing gear by using his foot. After he started the engine via hand turning the propeller, the engine immediately went to a high rpm.
He attempted to hang onto the airplane 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 at the airport in Apple Valley, Calif.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the pilot’s failure to adequately secure the airplane while hand-starting the engine.
NTSB Identification: WPR14CA332
This August 2014 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.
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Apple Valley Airport has plenty of tie downs only one is needed that being the tail wheel. Once started allow the engine to warm up before untying the tail. Then jump in a go. Cold weather op’s for any low HP engines may take 5 minutes of operation to get good throttle response before untying the plane so wait it out.
I personally know of four instances like this, one almost destroyed my parked airplane. I hate reading about instances like this, really stupid people doing exceptionally stupid acts. I have no sympathy for this pilot. He deserves anything handed down by the FAA.
Some pilots are obviously a danger not only to themselves but to the public at large. As Charlie Brown would say – Good grief! Grandpa Pettibone might say something like – Jumpin Jehosaphat, what was this pilot thinking….or was he thinking?
As I have said in the past, you can’t fix stupid.
I venture to say that FAR Part 91.13 is applicable here, failure to properly secure airplane.
Not to say the huge bills pilot faces for the helicopter.