Incident Overview
During an attempted engine start, the pilot discovered that the airplane's battery was dead. Unable to start the engine electrically, the pilot directed a non-rated passenger to manipulate the engine controls. The pilot then proceeded to hand-prop the engine.
Sequence of Events
The engine started at full throttle. As the airplane began to move, the passenger attempted to exit the airplane, blocking the pilot from boarding. No wheel chocks were used during the start. The airplane rolled across a runway, through the airport boundary fence, through a ditch, and across a road before coming to rest in an open field. During the roll, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over.
Conclusion
The investigation did not state any probable cause for the incident.