On February 9, 1988, a Cessna 182RG (registration N756FF) operated by Centerline Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Texarkana, AR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot attempting to start an aircraft by hand-pulling the propeller caused the engine to rev up, resulting in the aircraft rolling forward and striking a tree, ripping off a wing.
Incident Details
The pilot in command (PIC) reported he was unable to start the aircraft using the normal procedure. He stated he could not remember if he had properly secured the aircraft before attempting to hand-start the propeller. As he pulled the propeller through, the aircraft's engine revved up to a high RPM. The PIC claimed there was a dead spot in the starter that prevented him from accomplishing a normal start.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses observed the aircraft roll rapidly forward. It narrowly missed a large turboprop aircraft and a fuel truck before hitting a tree. The impact ripped off one wing.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident inspection of the aircraft systems revealed no mechanical discrepancy. The PIC had earlier been observed by a certified flight instructor (CFI) at the Addison, Texas airport performing the same starting procedure. The PIC gave no reason for not seeking maintenance assistance to correct the alleged starter problem.