FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Hand Propping Accident Results in Hangar Collision (N6693Q)

Kaplan, LA, US

On June 5, 1993, a Grumman-schweizer G-164B (registration N6693Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Kaplan, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO HAVE THE AIRPLANE PROPERLY ATTENDED DURING START WHEN PEOPLE WERE AVAILABLE. A FACTOR WAS THE INADEQUATE TIE DOWN ROPE. 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

A pilot attempting to hand prop an airplane broke the tail wheel tie-down rope, causing the aircraft to move, yaw, and collide with a hangar. The pilot stated he had performed the procedure thousands of times.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that he had tied down the tail wheel of the airplane using a piece of rope and was attempting to hand start the engine. The airplane weighed 6075 pounds. According to the pilot, the engine started slowly at first and then accelerated quickly. The rope securing the tail wheel broke, allowing the airplane to move under its own power.

Sequence of Events

Another pilot on the ground attempted to intervene by grabbing the right wing. This caused the airplane to yaw nose-right, and it subsequently collided with a hangar. The pilot stated that he had performed this hand propping procedure "thousands of times."

Aircraft Details

The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, operator, or other identifying details beyond the weight of 6075 pounds. No information is provided regarding occupants, injuries, or damage beyond the collision with the hangar.

Pilot Comments

The pilot noted his extensive experience with the hand propping procedure, indicating that he had done it thousands of times. No further details about the pilot's qualifications or the specific circumstances leading to the rope breaking were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jun 1993 Grumman-schweizer G-164B accident near Kaplan, LA?

A pilot attempting to hand prop an airplane broke the tail wheel tie-down rope, causing the aircraft to move, yaw, and collide with a hangar. The pilot stated he had performed the procedure thousands of times.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1993 Grumman-schweizer G-164B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jun 1993 involved a Grumman-schweizer G-164B, registration N6693Q, at Kaplan, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO HAVE THE AIRPLANE PROPERLY ATTENDED DURING START WHEN PEOPLE WERE AVAILABLE. A FACTOR WAS THE INADEQUATE TIE DOWN ROPE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12614. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.