The pilot attempted to hand-prop the Aeronca 7AC’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 five or six times to clear the cylinders.
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 hit the pilot.
A passenger was still in the airplane as it collided with a hangar at the airport in Ankeny, Iowa, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s firewall and fuselage.
The pilot was seriously injured. The passenger was not injured.
Probable Cause: 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.
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This March 2020 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.
First and always tie the tail down to something solid. I must admit I learned the hard way. Tri-pacer battery was dead. Remote area and alone. Set the throttle a bit to high and cranked the O320 ,150 horse, by hand. It started promptly and I had to jump in the plane and reset the throttle. Scared me enough to do the research. I have hand cranked it and a larger radial engine since then with no problems. I will not do so until the tail is anchored properly. Never depend on brakes. Any movement can be your death. By the grace of god I hope the fellow is ok. My prayers go with you .
I sure hope the plot didn’t lose his hands. What avterrible thing to have happened. Yes, the pilot should have done a number of things before cranking the prop, but he didn’t and I feel sorry for him. Dave
He should have at least showed his passenger how to hold the brakes on.