Aircraft Noses Over After Bystander Advances Throttle (N42GC)

Incident Overview

According to reports, the pilot was preparing to fly the aircraft. The battery was dead, so he hand propped the engine to start it. The pilot's father stated that the aircraft was left unattended with the engine operating at idle speed. The pilot reported that he was running the engine to check for oil leaks when a bystander reached into the cockpit and advanced the throttle enough to move the aircraft.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft then hit a fence and a ditch and nosed over. The bystander reportedly disappeared from the scene. On the same day of the accident, a person was admitted to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The patient reported that his lower right leg was run over by an aircraft wheel and he received abrasions to the left arm from a propeller strike.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage from the impact with the fence and ditch. No further details about the aircraft or operator were provided in the source.