Casualties unknown

Luscombe 8A Collides with Two Parked Aircraft After Hand-Propelled Start (N1017K)

Selma, CA, US

On July 31, 1987, a Luscombe 8A (registration N1017K) was involved in an aviation accident near Selma, CA. 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

A student pilot hand-propped the engine of a Luscombe 8A without setting the brakes, chocking the wheels, or having anyone in the cockpit. The aircraft then collided with two parked Cessna airplanes. The pilot had not received flight instruction since 1972 and lacked a valid solo endorsement.

Accident Details

A Luscombe 8A aircraft, after being started by hand propping, collided with two parked airplanes. The student pilot initiated the engine start without setting the brakes, without using wheel chocks, and with no pilot or other person in the cockpit. Once the engine started, the aircraft moved forward and struck a Cessna 150 and a Cessna 172 that were parked nearby.

Pilot Information

The individual performing the hand-propped start was a student pilot. According to records, this student pilot had received no flight instruction since 1972. The most recent endorsement for solo flight in a Luscombe 8A was dated June 20, 1970, and no endorsement was present on the student pilot certificate at the time of the accident.

Post-Accident Observations

The accident resulted in damage to all three aircraft involved: the Luscombe 8A, the Cessna 150, and the Cessna 172. The specific extent of damage was not detailed in the available information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Jul 1987 Luscombe 8A accident near Selma, CA?

A student pilot hand-propped the engine of a Luscombe 8A without setting the brakes, chocking the wheels, or having anyone in the cockpit. The aircraft then collided with two parked Cessna airplanes. The pilot had not received flight instruction since 1972 and lacked a valid solo endorsement.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Jul 1987 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N1017K, at Selma, CA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31574. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.