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.