No fatalities

30 Nov 2008: PIPER PA-15 — Ralph A. Hoyt — Pleasanton, TX

Pleasanton, TX, United States

On 30 Nov 2008, a PIPER PA-15 operated by Ralph A. Hoyt was involved in an aviation accident near Pleasanton, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately secure the airplane while hand-starting the engine. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot tied down an airplane with a rope before hand-starting the engine. The rope broke, the unoccupied airplane struck a parked aircraft and a fence, and the pilot was not injured.

Pre-Start Procedures

The pilot prepared the airplane on the ramp by securing it with a rope tied to the tail, as wheel chocks were unavailable. This method was chosen to prevent movement during engine start. The engine was started by hand-turning the propeller.

Breaking of Restraint

Upon engine start, the rope that was retaining the airplane in place broke. The pilot attempted to physically hang onto the airplane in an effort to regain control and stop its movement, but this attempt was not successful.

Movement and Collisions

The airplane, now without the pilot aboard, moved across the ramp. It first struck a parked aircraft. After that impact, it hit a fence. The airplane then came to rest with its nose against the fence.

Conclusion

The pilot was not injured. The airplane sustained damage from the impacts. There were no other injuries.

Contributing factors

PilotIncorrect service/maintenance