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Unoccupied Airplane Noses Over After Hand-Propeller Start Triggers Uncontrolled Taxi (N4630D)

Belleville, MI, US

On August 21, 1997, a Beech G35 (registration N4630D) was involved in an aviation accident near Belleville, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper planning/decision by failing to assure that the airplane was either tied down or chocked prior to pulling the propeller through, which started the engine with no one at the controls. 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 and passenger exited an unsecured airplane; the pilot hand-propped the propeller to clear a starter dead spot. The engine started, and the unoccupied airplane taxied across the airport, nosed over after hitting a chain-link fence and ditch.

Incident Description

The pilot and passenger exited the airplane, leaving it unsecured. The pilot then moved the propeller by hand to clear the starter's "dead spot." The engine started, and the unoccupied airplane began to taxi across the airport. It traveled across the airport until it contacted a chain-link fence and a ditch, causing the airplane to nose over.

Pilot Statements

The pilot reported that prior to exiting the airplane, the throttle was set at 1,000 rpm, the mixture was set to rich, the battery and generator switches were on, and he turned the magnetos off.

Postaccident Inspection

A postaccident inspection of the airplane's ignition system revealed no failures or malfunctions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 1997 Beech G35 accident near Belleville, MI?

A pilot and passenger exited an unsecured airplane; the pilot hand-propped the propeller to clear a starter dead spot. The engine started, and the unoccupied airplane taxied across the airport, nosed over after hitting a chain-link fence and ditch.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 1997 Beech G35 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 1997 involved a Beech G35, registration N4630D, at Belleville, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper planning/decision by failing to assure that the airplane was either tied down or chocked prior to pulling the propeller through, which started the engine with no one at the controls.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08595. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.