What happened
The accident occurred while the pilot was attempting to start the engine by hand propping the propeller. After setting the brakes to full pressure, the pilot initiated the process to manually turn the propeller. The engine started unexpectedly, and as the pilot walked around the wing area, the aircraft began to roll forward despite the brake application.
The aircraft continued its momentum across a field until it struck a fence. Upon impact with the fence, a fire erupted, which subsequently destroyed the aircraft. The pilot was injured while trying to hold the aircraft in place during the incident. The injuries sustained were reported as minor.
The investigation
Examination of the event focused on the mechanics of the hand propping procedure and the failure of the braking system to contain the aircraft's movement upon engine ignition. The sequence of events indicated that the brakes were insufficient to counteract the torque or rolling force generated when the engine started while the pilot was in close proximity to the wing.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to this accident included the dynamic forces involved in hand propping an aircraft and the subsequent loss of control due to the aircraft's movement. The failure of the parking brakes to hold the aircraft stationary allowed it to roll into a fixed object, leading to structural damage and fire.
Safety message
This incident highlights the inherent dangers of hand propping engines. Pilots must ensure that the aircraft is securely restrained and that clear escape routes are available in case the engine starts unexpectedly or the brakes fail to hold the aircraft.