On January 9, 2000, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N6034P) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to comply with proper procedures for engine startup by failing to disengage the magneto prior to hand-turning the propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot was struck by the propeller of a 1959 PA-24-250 after the engine started while he was turning the propeller by hand, having neglected to turn off the magnetos.
Incident Description
A pilot parked a 1959 PA-24-250 airplane on the ramp and tried to start the engine in cold conditions. The engine did not start. The pilot then exited the aircraft and went to the propeller. He intended to turn the propeller by hand to loosen it, not to start the engine. He did not switch off the magnetos. When he turned the propeller, the engine started. The pilot was struck by the propeller, hitting his head and right elbow.
Aircraft Flight Manual Guidance
The starting section of the 1959 PA-24-250 Airplane Flight Manual includes instructions for cold engines. It says: "When the engine is cold (under 40 degrees F.), prime three to five strokes; if extremely cold, pull the propeller through by hand four to six times before turning on the key ignition to 'left' and engaging the starter button."
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