Incident Overview
A pilot attempting to start a Cessna 172 experienced difficulty with the engine and opted to hand-prop it. The pilot rotated the propeller from right to left, at which point the engine started. The airplane then began to roll forward uncommanded, traveled across the airport ramp, and collided with two other parked airplanes before coming to a stop.
Damage Assessment
The accident airplane sustained substantial damage to its fuselage. Both of the parked airplanes that were struck also incurred substantial damage.
Circumstances
The pilot reported that after an unsuccessful attempt to start the engine using the normal starting procedure, he decided to manually rotate the propeller to start the engine. This technique, known as hand-propping, resulted in the engine starting and the airplane moving forward without pilot input. The airplane continued across the ramp area until it impacted the two parked aircraft.