Incident Overview
On December 2, 2012, at approximately 1315 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172 (registration N8475U) experienced a ground accident at Stanly County Airport (VUJ) in Albemarle, North Carolina. The aircraft, operated by Pressley Aviation under 14 CFR Part 91 for an instructional flight, sustained minor damage. The flight instructor was not injured. Weather conditions were day visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Goose Creek Airport (28A) in Indian Trail, North Carolina, around 1030 and proceeded to VUJ. After practicing touch-and-go landings, the instructor and student performed a full-stop landing and taxied to the ramp. The engine was shut down, and both pilots exited the aircraft.
Approximately 15 minutes later, the pilots returned to the airplane for another flight, during which the student might have soloed. After several unsuccessful start attempts, the aircraft's battery was depleted. The owner of the flight school then connected an external battery supply, and the engine started. The instructor climbed into the aircraft after the engine started and let it idle for about one minute while the owner secured the cowling. The student pilot remained outside and aft of the airplane.
The owner reported seeing the student's glasses blow off and last observed the student about 30 feet behind the running airplane. The owner and instructor maintained eye contact to coordinate removal of the external battery and securing the cowling. During this time, they heard a sound from the engine and noticed the student running from the front of the airplane. The engine was shut down, and the student was transported to the hospital.