Incident Overview
After completing a preflight inspection, the pilot entered the aircraft and attempted to start the engine using the starter and onboard battery. The engine turned slowly and failed to start. After several unsuccessful attempts at normal start, the pilot exited the aircraft, chocked the nosewheel, and proceeded to hand-prop the engine. The pilot stated that the hand propping was intended to circulate oil and prime the engine.
Sequence of Events
While hand-propping the engine, it started. The aircraft then rolled over the chock. The pilot attempted to stop the aircraft, but it continued and collided with two buildings. The collision resulted in damage to the aircraft, the two buildings, and a desk inside one of the buildings.
Contributing Factors
The master switch and magneto switch had not been turned off before the pilot began hand-propping the engine.