On April 3, 1989, a Champion 8KCAB (registration N2520Z) operated by Carol Grant was involved in an aviation accident near Manchester, NH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that the shoulder strap caught on the rear power quadrant and advanced it to full throttle when she pulled on it to fasten it. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Decathlon pilot reported that while fastening her shoulder strap, it caught the power quadrant and advanced the throttle to full, causing the aircraft to lurch forward and strike a Piper PA-32R.
Accident Description
A pilot of a Decathlon reported that after warming up the engine, she began attaching the over-the-shoulder strap from the rear attaching point. As she pulled the strap to fasten it using an underhand motion, the aircraft suddenly lurched forward at full throttle. The tail wheel was cocked to the right, causing the aircraft to veer to the right and strike the rear of a parked Piper PA-32R's left wing.
The pilot stated that the shoulder strap had caught on the rear power quadrant and advanced it to full throttle when she pulled on it to fasten it.
Commission Investigation
The day following the accident, a state aeronautics commission representative attempted to duplicate the accident as described by the pilot but was unable to do so. No further details about the attempt were provided.
Probable cause
The pilot stated that the shoulder strap caught on the rear power quadrant and advanced it to full throttle when she pulled on it to fasten it.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Apr 1989 Champion 8KCAB accident near Manchester, NH?
A Decathlon pilot reported that while fastening her shoulder strap, it caught the power quadrant and advanced the throttle to full, causing the aircraft to lurch forward and strike a Piper PA-32R.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 1989 Champion 8KCAB accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Apr 1989 involved a Champion 8KCAB, registration N2520Z, operated by Carol Grant, at Manchester, NH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot stated that the shoulder strap caught on the rear power quadrant and advanced it to full throttle when she pulled on it to fasten it.
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