On September 13, 1994, a Cessna 140 (registration N76680) operated by Moore, Charles D. was involved in an aviation accident near Willow, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURES. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE UNAVAILABILITY OF A PARKING BRAKE AND TIEDOWNS TO SECURE THE AIRPLANE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During hand-propping of a tailwheel airplane at a private dirt airstrip, the engine started with the throttle near wide open, causing the aircraft to accelerate and collide with a parked vehicle and fence. No tie-downs or parking brake were available.
Incident Sequence
A pilot was preparing to depart unaccompanied on a personal flight from a private dirt airstrip. The pilot began hand-propping the airplane to start the engine. During the pre-start sequence, the throttle was positioned near wide open. When the engine started, the airplane accelerated away from the pilot and subsequently collided with a parked vehicle and a fence.
Aircraft and Airstrip Details
The airplane involved was a tailwheel-type aircraft. The airstrip was a private dirt strip. No tie-downs were available at the airstrip, and the aircraft was not equipped with a parking brake. These conditions were present at the time of the event.
Aftermath
The collision resulted in damage to the parked vehicle and the fence. The source does not specify any injuries or further consequences.