Pilot Inadvertently Presses Torque Tube Assembly During Engine Start, Leading to Hangar Impact

What Happened

The pilot started the engine with his feet positioned on the toe brake pedals. After starting, the engine accelerated to a higher rpm than expected, and the airplane began to roll forward. The pilot pressed down with his feet, but the airplane continued to roll. He then reduced the throttle to idle and attempted to steer the airplane using the rudder pedals, but they were fixed and would not move. As the airplane approached a hangar, the pilot shut down the engine with the fuel mixture control and turned the magneto switch off. The airplane subsequently impacted the hangar, resulting in substantial damage to both wings.

Postaccident Examination

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a postaccident examination of the airplane. The examination revealed no anomalies in the rudder pedal or toe brake systems. The pilot later offered that he inadvertently pressed on the torque tube assembly, which is part of the airframe structure located above the toe brake pedals.