Casualties unknown

Aircraft Collides with Hangar After Hand-Propelled Engine Start (N8779D)

Tucson, AZ, US

On October 18, 1987, a Piper PA-22-160 (registration N8779D) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot hand-propped the engine after it would not start electrically. The engine surged, the aircraft jumped chocks, and a non-pilot passenger could not prevent a collision with a hangar.

Incident Details

A pilot reported that the engine would not start when the starter button was pressed. In response, the pilot decided to hand-prop the engine. After several attempts, the engine eventually started.

Sequence of Events

Immediately after starting, the engine's power increased abruptly. The aircraft jumped the chocks that were in place. A non-pilot passenger was at the controls at that time. The passenger was unable to stop the aircraft before it collided with a hangar.

Mechanical Assessment

No mechanical malfunctions or failures were reported in connection with the incident.

Injuries and Damage

The source does not specify any injuries or fatalities. Damage to the aircraft and hangar is implied by the collision, but no details are provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32375. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.