Casualties unknown

Aircraft Jumped Chocks, Struck Pilot and Parked Planes During Hand Propping (N88054)

Dublin, WV, US

On November 15, 1988, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N88054) was involved in an aviation accident near Dublin, WV. 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 attempting to hand-prop an aircraft without assistance reported the engine started at full power, jumped chocks, struck him, and collided with a Cessna 172 and fence.

Incident Overview

A pilot was attempting to hand-prop an aircraft without assistance. He stated that he chocked both the front and back of the right main landing gear. After several unsuccessful attempts, the engine finally started. The aircraft ran at what the pilot described as sounding like full power. While the pilot attempted to get inside the aircraft, it jumped over the chocks and began to move.

Sequence of Events

The pilot grabbed the wing strut in an attempt to turn the aircraft so it would not contact a Seneca parked on the ramp. He stated he then let go when it appeared the aircraft would travel toward the runway and not the ramp. The left wing of the aircraft contacted the fuel pumps and swung around, hitting the pilot. The aircraft then turned toward the ramp, where it contacted a parked Cessna 172 and a chain link fence before coming to a stop.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the magnetos and fuel selector were on but the throttle was at idle when the engine started.

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.