Aircraft ground excursion following engine start

Casualties unknown • Dublin, WV, US

An aircraft experienced an unexpected movement on the ramp after a successful hand-propping attempt, resulting in contact with other parked aircraft and a fence.

What happened

The pilot was attempting to hand-prop the aircraft without assistance. To secure the plane, the pilot placed chocks both in front of and behind the right main gear. After several unsuccessful attempts, the engine successfully started. The pilot described the engine running at a power level sounding like full power, even though the throttle was set to idle.

As the pilot attempted to enter the cockpit, the aircraft jumped over the chocks and began to move across the ramp. In an effort to prevent the aircraft from striking a parked Seneca, the pilot grabbed the wing strut to steer the plane. The pilot released the strut when it appeared the aircraft was heading toward the runway rather than the ramp area.

During the excursion, the left wing of the aircraft struck fuel pumps, causing the plane to swing around and strike the pilot. The aircraft continued moving toward the ramp, where it collided with a parked Cessna 172 and a chain-link fence before finally coming to a stop. The pilot was injured during the collision.

Findings

At the time of the engine start, the magnetos and fuel selector were in the on position, but the throttle remained at the idle position.

Probable cause

The engine started at high power despite the throttle being at idle, causing the aircraft to jump over the chocks and move unexpectedly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-11-15 Piper J3C-65 accident near Dublin, WV?

An aircraft experienced an unexpected movement on the ramp after a successful hand-propping attempt, resulting in contact with other parked aircraft and a fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-11-15 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N88054, at Dublin, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine started at high power despite the throttle being at idle, causing the aircraft to jump over the chocks and move unexpectedly.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27214. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…