Casualties unknown

Ground Collision During Hand Propping After Engine Starts at Full Power (N5894C)

Seattle, WA, US

On October 11, 1982, a Beech C35 (registration N5894C) operated by Thomas E. Mock was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

While hand propping to start, the engine went to full power. The pilot accessed controls as the aircraft moved against locked brakes but could not stop before hitting a Beech 58P. The pilot had inadvertently left the throttle open and forgot to press the throttle button when reducing power.

Incident Overview

During a hand-propping start procedure, the engine of the aircraft unexpectedly accelerated to full power. The pilot managed to reach the controls as the aircraft began moving against its locked brakes. However, he was unable to arrest the forward motion before the aircraft struck a parked Beech 58P, registration N3664G.

Pilot Actions and Contributing Factors

The pilot reported that he had inadvertently left the throttle open while clearing the engine during the start sequence. Additionally, when attempting to reduce power after the engine had started, he forgot to press the button on the throttle control. The pilot noted that most of his flying experience had been in aircraft equipped with a different type of throttle mechanism.

Sequence of Events

The accident occurred during a ground operation involving hand propping, a method where the propeller is manually turned to start the engine. The exact location and date of the incident were not specified. The pilot's failure to ensure the throttle was closed and his unfamiliarity with the throttle button's operation contributed to the loss of control during the start.

Damage Assessment

The collision resulted in damage to both aircraft, though the extent was not detailed. No injuries were reported in the source.

Probable Cause

The source does not explicitly state a probable cause.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 1982 Beech C35 accident near Seattle, WA?

While hand propping to start, the engine went to full power. The pilot accessed controls as the aircraft moved against locked brakes but could not stop before hitting a Beech 58P. The pilot had inadvertently left the throttle open and forgot to press the throttle button when reducing power.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 1982 involved a Beech C35, registration N5894C, operated by Thomas E. Mock, at Seattle, WA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X05148. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.