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Hand-Propped Airplane Crashes into Ocean After Unexpected Acceleration (N3675P)

Teller, AK, US

On July 19, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N3675P) was involved in an aviation accident near Teller, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper starting procedure. 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 commercial pilot hand-propped an airplane, but the throttle was further forward than expected. The plane accelerated, the pilot lost his grip, and the aircraft became airborne before crashing into the ocean, sustaining substantial damage.

Accident Overview

A commercial pilot reported that he hand-propped the airplane to start the engine. According to the pilot's NTSB report, the throttle was positioned farther forward than anticipated, causing the engine to start with higher power. The airplane immediately began to move forward.

Pilot Actions

The pilot attempted to hold onto the aircraft as it accelerated, but he was unable to maintain his grip. The airplane continued to gain speed, lifted off the ground, and became airborne briefly before crashing into the ocean near the beach.

Damage

The impact with the water resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's wings and fuselage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jul 1999 Piper PA-18 accident near Teller, AK?

A commercial pilot hand-propped an airplane, but the throttle was further forward than expected. The plane accelerated, the pilot lost his grip, and the aircraft became airborne before crashing into the ocean, sustaining substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Jul 1999 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jul 1999 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N3675P, at Teller, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper starting procedure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19137. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.