Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after arriving at the destination airport and shutting down the airplane, he discovered the battery was "too light" to restart the engine. After turning off the fuel, he attempted to hand-start the airplane. The engine started but revved well beyond normal. The pilot expected the engine to stall, but it did not. The airplane then moved forward, rolled down a steep embankment, and struck trees, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Safety Guidance
According to FAA publication FAA-P-8740-20, "No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls." This incident highlights the importance of proper engine-start procedures, including having a qualified individual ready at the controls.
Notes
The pilot's account did not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or whether any injuries occurred. The substantial damage was limited to the airframe.