Casualties unknown

1998-06-04: Piper PA-30 (N98NT) — Everett, WA

Everett, WA, US

On June 4, 1998, a Piper PA-30 (registration N98NT) was involved in an aviation accident near Everett, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command's exiting the aircraft with both engines running to remove a wheel chock. A factor was the inadequate preflight of the aircraft (not removing the chock) prior to engine start. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After fueling and using jumper cables to start the aircraft, a Piper PA-30 rolled forward while the pilot removed a chock, striking a parked Cessna. The pilot was struck by the left propeller and later died.

Accident Sequence

At 1503, a twin-engine Piper PA-30 with a fuel capacity of 90 gallons received 58.15 gallons of fuel from a self-service fueling island. The aircraft was then taxied back to the pilot's hangar area. Subsequently, a jumper cable was used to connect the battery of the pilot's car to the aircraft's electrical system via the power receptacle on the left side of the nose.

At approximately 1732, with both engines running, the pilot exited the aircraft to remove the chock from the nose-wheel. The PA-30 then rolled forward (east) and eventually impacted a parked Cessna, primarily along the leading edge of the Cessna's right wing.

Collision Dynamics

Upon wing contact, the PA-30's right engine stopped. The momentum of the collision carried both aircraft in a clockwise arc a short distance to the southeast. The PA-30's left engine continued running after the collision.

At the point consistent with the PA-30's initial contact with the Cessna, a pool of blood was identified, marking the location where the pilot was first struck by the PA-30's left propeller. The pilot then dragged himself under the PA-30 to a position near the 4:30 spot, stopping close to the nose-wheel chock, which was entangled in the jumper cables.

Pilot Statement

A witness who spoke with the pilot reported that the pilot remarked, "I knew better, (unknown) was not removed, and the wind caught me."

Outcome

The pilot was airlifted to a major hospital and expired approximately 10 hours later.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10421. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.