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Casualties unknown

Unmanned Aircraft Taxis and Collides with Hangar and Parked Airplane During Engine Start (N83651)

Warner Robins, GA, US

On October 31, 2002, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N83651) was involved in an aviation accident near Warner Robins, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow engine start procedures for a overprimed engine, and his improper use of the throttle control during an attempted start. 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

During engine start, an airplane taxied unmanned at high speed, dragging the pilot, and collided with a hangar and a parked airplane. A fuel stain was found near the wheel chock.

Incident Description

The pilot chocked the main wheel and initiated starting procedures, which included manually pulling the propeller through. After several unsuccessful attempts to start the engine, the pilot primed the engine, partially opened the throttle, and pulled the propeller through. The engine then started and accelerated to high rpm. Subsequently, the airplane taxied unmanned at high speed, dragging the pilot, before colliding with a hangar and a parked airplane. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction with the airplane.

Examination Findings

Examination of the cement pad where the wheel chock was located revealed a fresh fuel stain approximately eight feet long and four feet wide. Several boot and shoe tracks were observed through the fuel stain.

Advisory Circular Reference

Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular AC165-12 states that the corrective action for clearing an overprimed engine includes opening the throttle fully and turning the propeller to expel excess fuel.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Oct 2002 Aeronca 7AC accident near Warner Robins, GA?

During engine start, an airplane taxied unmanned at high speed, dragging the pilot, and collided with a hangar and a parked airplane. A fuel stain was found near the wheel chock.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Oct 2002 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N83651, at Warner Robins, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow engine start procedures for a overprimed engine, and his improper use of the throttle control during an attempted start.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021107X05443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.