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.