25 Jan 2011: PIPER PA-28R-201T

25 Jan 2011: PIPER PA-28R-201T — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Meadview, AZ, United States

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to properly secure the airplane while manually starting the engine with the propeller, resulting in inadvertent movement of the airplane and collision with the ground.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported that he had shutdown the engine on a remote dirt airport to inspect the tires before takeoff. When he attempted to restart the engine the battery was insufficiently charged, and would not start the engine. The pilot decided to attempt to start the engine by hand propping it. He set the throttle, the brake, and turned the magnetos to on. The pilot used a hand-prop method to attempt to start the engine. The engine ultimately started but before the pilot could enter the airplane, it accelerated and went on an excursion first hitting a berm and then continuing over a cliff. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

Contributing factors

  • cause down/mooring
  • cause Pilot
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 000/04kt, vis 10sm

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