No fatalities

Engine Starts During Hand-Propping Leads to Ground Accident (N9029V)

Wheeling, IL, US

On February 6, 1992, a Beech 55 (registration N9029V) operated by Neighbor, Ernest H was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The magnetos were left in the 'on' position when the pilot pulled through the propellers. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After being unable to start the engines with battery power, a pilot deplaned to hand-prop the propellers. The left engine started, and before the pilot could shut it down, the airplane circled and struck a golf cart.

Incident Description

After an unsuccessful attempt to start the engines using the battery, the pilot exited the aircraft to manually rotate the propellers. While pulling the left propeller through, the engine started. The pilot then attempted to re-enter the airplane to shut down the engine but was unable to do so. The aircraft subsequently traveled in several circular paths before contacting a golf cart, which brought it to a stop.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection revealed that the magnetos had been left in the 'on' position when the pilot pulled through the propellers.

Probable cause

The magnetos were left in the 'on' position when the pilot pulled through the propellers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Feb 1992 Beech 55 accident near Wheeling, IL?

After being unable to start the engines with battery power, a pilot deplaned to hand-prop the propellers. The left engine started, and before the pilot could shut it down, the airplane circled and struck a golf cart.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 Feb 1992 Beech 55 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Feb 1992 involved a Beech 55, registration N9029V, operated by Neighbor, Ernest H, at Wheeling, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The magnetos were left in the 'on' position when the pilot pulled through the propellers.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14084. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.