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Hand-Prop Starting Leads to Ground Accident (N6475E)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On May 11, 2002, a Cessna 172 (registration N6475E) operated by Christopher Jans was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots improper starting procedure. Factors associated with the accident are the continued operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency, and failure to use wheel chocks and/or tie-down rope/straps to restrain the airplane during the engine… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot hand-propping an airplane without chocks or tie-downs caused the aircraft to surge forward and collide with a hangar, resulting in damage to the wing and fuselage but no injuries.

Incident Overview

A pilot preparing for a flight to his home airport encountered difficulties with the airplane's starter not engaging. Having previous experience with hand-propping the aircraft, the pilot decided to start the engine manually. The airplane was not secured with chocks or tied down.

Sequence of Events

When the engine started, the airplane surged forward abruptly. The pilot attempted to physically restrain the aircraft but was unable to hold it back. The airplane accelerated across the ramp and struck a hangar.

Damage Assessment

The collision caused damage to the right wing's leading edge, ribs, and spar. Additionally, the fuselage aft of the passenger compartment sustained damage.

Injuries

There were no injuries associated with the accident.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 2002 Cessna 172 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A pilot hand-propping an airplane without chocks or tie-downs caused the aircraft to surge forward and collide with a hangar, resulting in damage to the wing and fuselage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 2002 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 2002 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6475E, operated by Christopher Jans, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilots improper starting procedure. Factors associated with the accident are the continued operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency, and failure to use wheel chocks and/or tie-down rope/straps to restrain the airplane during the engine 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/20020529X00750. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.