No fatalities

Pilot Unable to Control Engine During Hand Start, Resulting in Ground Collision (N6319Z)

Mount Holly, NJ, US

On September 17, 2006, a Piper PA-25-180 (registration N6319Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Mount Holly, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper starting procedure, which resulted in an uncontrolled taxi, and collision with a parked airplane. 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
Aircraft registered N6319Z
Aircraft registered N6319Z. Photo: ZLEA / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot started an engine by hand, but it immediately went to full power. Unable to reach the cockpit, the airplane struck a parked aircraft, causing substantial damage to both airplanes.

Incident Details

According to the accident investigation source, the pilot first loaded his equipment bag into the front seat of the airplane. He then pressed on each wing lift strut to verify that the brakes were set and proceeded to hand start the engine. Although he succeeded in starting the engine, it "immediately came to full power." The pilot attempted to reach the cockpit but was unable to do so. The airplane moved forward and struck a parked airplane, resulting in substantial damage to both aircraft.

The pilot later speculated that when he placed his bag in the airplane, it may have "pushed the throttle forward." The investigation referenced FAA publication FAA-P-8740-20, which states: "No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls."

Damage and Injuries

Both airplanes involved in the collision sustained substantial damage. No information was provided regarding any injuries or the number of occupants.

Probable Cause

The investigation did not state a probable cause for the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 2006 Piper PA-25-180 accident near Mount Holly, NJ?

A pilot started an engine by hand, but it immediately went to full power. Unable to reach the cockpit, the airplane struck a parked aircraft, causing substantial damage to both airplanes.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Sept 2006 Piper PA-25-180 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 2006 involved a Piper PA-25-180, registration N6319Z, at Mount Holly, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper starting procedure, which resulted in an uncontrolled taxi, and collision with a parked airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20061027X01570. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.