On May 8, 1994, a Cessna 140 (registration N111NZ) was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE TIE DOWNS AND PROPER ASSISTANCE DURING THE HAND PROPPING ENGINE START. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempted to hand prop an airplane with a dead battery while his 14-year-old grandson operated the throttle. The engine started at 1400 RPM, the grandson fell, and the unattended airplane rolled across the ramp, striking three parked airplanes.
Incident Details
A pilot attempted to start an airplane by hand propping the engine after experiencing a dead battery. During the attempt, the pilot's 14-year-old grandson was positioned outside the right door of the airplane to operate the throttle. The airplane was not tied down or chocked prior to the attempted start.
Sequence of Events
The engine started and began running at approximately 1,400 revolutions per minute. At that point, the pilot's grandson fell down. With no one at the controls, the unattended airplane moved across the transient ramp. It subsequently struck three other parked airplanes. The pilot made no attempt to request assistance from the many pilots present at the airport restaurant and lounge prior to the incident.