On December 26, 2002, a Piper PA-30 (registration N752CF) operated by James Fessler was involved in an aviation accident near Tallahassee, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper start procedure which resulted in an unintentional engine start, and unoccupied aircraft collision with hangar structure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot intending to fly to Miami experienced a starter malfunction, then inadvertently started the left engine while pulling the propeller, causing the aircraft to collide with a hangar door.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, he pulled the airplane from the hangar with the intention of flying to Miami. When he attempted to start the left engine, it would not start. He then exited the aircraft and proceeded to manually pull the propeller. During this action, the left engine inadvertently started and the aircraft collided with a hangar door while the engine was running.
Pilot Statement
The pilot told police that he went to start the left engine, but the starter hung up. He then got out of the aircraft and went to turn the left propeller. The engine started because the switches had been left in the on position.
Conclusion
The incident involved a ground collision with a hangar door after the left engine inadvertently started during a propeller pull.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Dec 2002 Piper PA-30 accident near Tallahassee, FL?
A pilot intending to fly to Miami experienced a starter malfunction, then inadvertently started the left engine while pulling the propeller, causing the aircraft to collide with a hangar door.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 2002 Piper PA-30 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Dec 2002 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N752CF, operated by James Fessler, at Tallahassee, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's improper start procedure which resulted in an unintentional engine start, and unoccupied aircraft collision with hangar structure.
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