Incident Description
The pilot reported that while preparing for a flight, he began the engine starting procedure. The procedure included advancing the throttle and engaging the electric fuel pump to prime the fuel system. A subsequent step required reducing the throttle setting to idle before engaging the starter motor. However, the pilot stated that when performing this step, he unintentionally pulled the propeller control out instead of the throttle control. When he engaged the starter, the engine started and immediately accelerated to full RPM.
Sequence of Events
With the engine at full power, the airplane moved across the ramp and struck two parked airplanes. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's left elevator. The airplane then continued through an opening in a snowbank and came to rest approximately 150 yards from its original starting point. The pilot did not report any preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Aftermath
The pilot’s unintentional operation of the propeller control instead of the throttle led to an uncommanded engine start at high power. The absence of mechanical issues suggests that the incident was due to human error during the start procedure. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the damage was limited to the aircraft involved.