On May 3, 1992, a Cessna 120 (registration N72973) operated by Pardee, Douglas L. was involved in an aviation accident near Wilmington, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN PROPER ASSISTANCE DURING THE ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE, AND HIS FAILURE TO PROPERLY ATTEND TO THE AIRPLANE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot hand-propping an airplane with unchocked wheels and midrange throttle caused it to roll uncontrolled, colliding with two fuel trucks. The pilot was struck by the tail while trying to stop it.
Incident Overview
A private pilot was preparing for a personal flight by hand-propping the airplane's engine. According to a witness, the airplane's wheels were not chocked, and the throttle was found in a midrange position when the engine started.
Sequence of Events
Upon engine start, the airplane began to roll forward. The pilot was unable to reach the controls in time to prevent the movement. The unattended airplane rolled across the ground and collided with two fuel trucks before coming to a stop.
Pilot Involvement
While attempting to stop the runaway airplane, the pilot was struck by the aircraft's tail. The incident highlights the risks associated with hand-propping an airplane without proper ground safety precautions.
Investigation Findings
The investigation noted that the wheels were not chocked and the throttle was in a midrange position at the time of the engine start. No further causal factors were identified in the available source material.