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Unoccupied Aircraft Noses Over in Cornfield After Hand-Prop Start (N28428)

Chippewa Falls, WI, US

On April 15, 2007, a Luscombe 8A (registration N28428) was involved in an aviation accident near Chippewa Falls, WI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot intentionally leaving the airplane unoccupied during the engine start, which resulted in the unoccupied airplane traversing into a cornfield. A factor was the rough/uneven cornfield. 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

An unoccupied airplane nosed over in a cornfield after the pilot hand-propped the engine. The pilot reported chocks were placed but no one was at the controls. Engine rpm increased rapidly, the aircraft climbed over the chocks and moved into the field.

Incident Overview

An unoccupied airplane nosed over in a cornfield shortly after the pilot hand-propped the engine. The pilot reported that he had chocked both main landing gear wheels before attempting to start the engine, but no one was at the aircraft controls during the engine start procedure.

Sequence of Events

Upon engine startup, the engine rpm "increased rapidly" before the pilot had enough time to enter the airplane. The airplane reportedly "climbed over the chocks and started moving" and then traversed into a corn field before nosing over. The aircraft came to rest inverted in the field.

Pilot's Statement

The pilot reported that the accident could have been prevented if he had secured the tailwheel with a tie-down for engine start. No further details were provided regarding aircraft damage or other circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Apr 2007 Luscombe 8A accident near Chippewa Falls, WI?

An unoccupied airplane nosed over in a cornfield after the pilot hand-propped the engine. The pilot reported chocks were placed but no one was at the controls. Engine rpm increased rapidly, the aircraft climbed over the chocks and moved into the field.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 Apr 2007 Luscombe 8A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Apr 2007 involved a Luscombe 8A, registration N28428, at Chippewa Falls, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot intentionally leaving the airplane unoccupied during the engine start, which resulted in the unoccupied airplane traversing into a cornfield. A factor was the rough/uneven cornfield.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070508X00528. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.