On July 26, 1995, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3036M) was involved in an aviation accident near N. Myrtle Beach, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER STARTING PROCEDURE USED BY THE PILOT IN THAT HE FAILED TO USE WHEEL CHOCKS TO PRECLUDE AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT. ADDITIONALLY, THE THROTTLE WAS NOT PLACED IN THE IDLE POSITION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft being hand-propped during banner towing operations taxied away and struck a ditch, resulting in substantial damage. No chocks were used and throttle was partially advanced.
Incident Overview
During banner towing operations, an aircraft was stopped adjacent to the runway while the pilot switched the tow hook to continue the banner towing operation. The banner handling personnel were positioned approximately one-quarter mile down the runway.
The pilot was in the process of starting the engine by hand-propping, as the airplane was not equipped with an electric starting system. No chocks were present in the aircraft to brake the wheels, and the throttle was partially advanced.
Sequence of Events
Once the engine started, the aircraft taxied away from the pilot. It subsequently collided with a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage in the collision with the ditch.