What happened
The incident began when the pilot attempted to start the aircraft engine, but the initial effort was unsuccessful. Instead of following standard safety procedures, the pilot exited the cockpit without setting the parking brake, turning the magnetos off, or ensuring the throttle was in the idle position.
After exiting the aircraft, the pilot manually rotated the propeller to attempt a restart. The engine successfully started during this process. However, because the parking brake had not been engaged and the throttle was not secured, the aircraft began to move forward on its own power while unattended.
The plane crossed a taxiway and continued moving until it collided with a hangar and a parked airplane. The force of the impact caused significant damage to both the moving aircraft and the stationary objects involved in the collision.
The investigation
Investigators examined the scene and the condition of the aircraft following the incident. They noted that the pilot had exited the plane without securing it against unintended movement. The engine was found to have started while the propeller was being turned by hand, leading to the uncontrolled forward motion.
The investigation focused on the lack of standard precautions during the engine start procedure. Specifically, the failure to set the parking brake and secure the throttle allowed the aircraft to roll freely once the engine ignited. The collision with the hangar and the parked aircraft was a direct result of this uncontrolled movement.
Findings
The primary factor in this incident was the pilot's decision to exit the aircraft without securing it against unintended motion. By failing to set the parking brake, turn off the magnetos, or position the throttle correctly, the pilot allowed the aircraft to become a hazard to itself and others on the ramp.
The manual rotation of the propeller while unattended led to an immediate and uncontrollable start. This highlights the critical importance of following established pre-start checks to ensure the aircraft remains stationary until it is fully under control. The collision with the hangar and the parked airplane resulted in substantial damage to all involved aircraft and structures.
Safety message
Pilots must always secure the aircraft before exiting the cockpit, even for brief periods or during troubleshooting. This includes setting the parking brake, turning off the magnetos, and ensuring the throttle is in the idle position. These steps prevent unintended movement and protect both the pilot and other property on the airfield.