Incident Overview
A pilot attempted to start the engine of a 1946-manufactured airplane by hand propping, as the aircraft lacked an electrical starting system. A local gentleman held the tail of the airplane to secure it during the engine start-up procedure. The pilot rotated the propeller by hand to initiate the engine. After idling for a few seconds, the engine unexpectedly roared up, causing the airplane to accelerate forward. The aircraft then impacted a cement pillar and a fuel pump. Neither the pilot nor the gentleman holding the tail were able to control the airplane during the event.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the airplane did not have an electrical starting system, necessitating a manual start. A local gentleman volunteered to hold the tail of the airplane to keep it stationary while the pilot attempted to start the engine. After the pilot rotated the propeller by hand, the engine idled briefly before suddenly increasing to a high power setting. The airplane began moving forward rapidly. Despite efforts by both the pilot and the tail-holder, they could not prevent the aircraft from colliding with a cement pillar and a fuel pump.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The airplane was manufactured in 1946. No other specific details about the aircraft model, registration, or engine type were provided in the source. The lack of an electrical starting system was a key characteristic noted by the pilot.
Aftermath
The collision involved a cement pillar and a fuel pump. The source did not specify any injuries, damage extent, or subsequent actions. The pilot and the gentleman holding the tail were unable to control the airplane after the engine power surged.