On May 20, 1998, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N3504E) was involved in an aviation accident near Sheridan, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot mistakenly turned the magneto ON while attempting to clear a flooded engine, resulting in an inadvertent engine start and subsequent collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempting to hand-prop an airplane inadvertently started the engine, causing the aircraft to collide with trees. The pilot had positioned the aircraft on a taxiway with the right wheel chocked and his wife seated in the rear.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that a tandem airplane collided with trees after an inadvertent engine start during hand-propping procedures. The aircraft was positioned on a taxiway with the right wheel chocked. The pilot's wife was seated in the rear seat with her seatbelt fastened.
Sequence of Events
The pilot attempted to start the engine by hand-propping the propeller several times, but was unsuccessful. Believing the engine was flooded, he decided to clear it. He set the magneto to OFF, closed the fuel valve, and opened the throttle fully. While turning the propeller to clear the engine, the pilot believes he mistakenly turned the magneto to ON. This resulted in the engine starting as he turned the propeller. The airplane then collided with trees.
Injuries and Damage
The source does not specify injuries or damage beyond the collision with trees.
Probable cause
The pilot mistakenly turned the magneto ON while attempting to clear a flooded engine, resulting in an inadvertent engine start and subsequent collision with trees.