Accident Details
An aircraft engine fired unexpectedly while the pilot was attempting to hand-prop the propeller, resulting in the propeller striking the pilot in the leg.
Sequence of Events
The pilot initially attempted to start the engine using the starter but was unsuccessful. After turning the switches off, the pilot decided to manually rotate the propeller by hand. He first pulled the propeller through backwards several times, then turned it in the normal direction. At that point, the engine fired and the propeller struck the pilot's leg.
Post-Accident Examination
Subsequent examination of the magneto switch revealed that it had some play in it but would cut off when moved as far left as possible. However, the switch was found to have been left slightly out of the off detent by the pilot, as determined by the movement of the switch toward the off position after the accident.