Incident Overview
A pilot attempted to hand start an aircraft without assistance after being unable to find anyone to help. Multiple attempts to start the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot then increased the throttle setting and tried again. The engine started, ran roughly for a few rotations, then the RPM increased rapidly.
Sequence of Events
As the engine revved up, the aircraft began to pivot around the left main landing gear. The pilot was unable to reach the cockpit to reduce the throttle. The aircraft continued turning left, departing the tarmac onto a grassy area. The right wing eventually struck a utility pole and its guy wire, bringing the aircraft to a stop.
Post-Accident Findings
Investigation revealed that the pilot had not flown in over six years and had not completed a Biennial Flight Review in more than 72 months. Additionally, the aircraft's hand brake was found to only engage the left brake, which caused the aircraft to rotate about the left main gear during the incident.