On April 28, 2001, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N86217) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenville, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to obtain the assistance of a person to act as a safety pilot while hand propping the engine with the airplane tied down. A factor in the accident was the failure of the tie down rope. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot with a ferry permit for an overdue annual inspection used starter fluid to start the engine, but the tie-down rope broke. Unable to stop the circling airplane, he grabbed the lift strut, released it, then grabbed again and forced the airplane into trees.
Incident Details
The airplane's annual inspection was overdue, and the pilot had obtained a ferry permit to fly it to the location where the inspection was to be performed. With the assistance of a safety pilot while the airplane was tied down, the pilot was unable to start the engine. He then left the airport and obtained starter fluid. Upon returning, no person was available to act as a safety pilot.
Sequence of Events
The pilot rechecked the rope used to tie down the airplane and found it secure. He was able to start the engine with the aid of the starter fluid. As he approached the pilot's side door, the rope broke. The pilot grabbed the lift strut but was unable to stop the airplane, which was moving in circles. There was no assistance from individuals on the ground. He released the lift strut. Some time later, he grabbed the lift strut again and forced the airplane into trees.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Apr 2001 Aeronca 11AC accident near Greenville, SC?
A pilot with a ferry permit for an overdue annual inspection used starter fluid to start the engine, but the tie-down rope broke. Unable to stop the circling airplane, he grabbed the lift strut, released it, then grabbed again and forced the airplane into trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Apr 2001 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N86217, at Greenville, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the pilot to obtain the assistance of a person to act as a safety pilot while hand propping the engine with the airplane tied down. A factor in the accident was the failure of the tie down rope.
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