Introduction
On 28 July 2015, a Vans RV-6 (EX), registration LN-LLT, experienced an uncontrolled forward movement following a hand start at Ålesund lufthavn Vigra (ENAL), Norway. The aircraft subsequently collided with a parked Piper PA-28-140, LN-BFK. The pilot, the sole occupant, suffered slight injuries. The accident occurred during daylight under visual flight rules in CAVOK conditions with wind from 040° at 11 knots.
Sequence of Events
The pilot arrived at the airport on the afternoon of 27 July with the RV-6 and parked it on the general aviation ramp. He then departed to Stavanger via scheduled flight. Returning the next day, he landed at 2205, ten minutes ahead of schedule. Planning to fly to Ørsta-Volda lufthavn Hovden, he ensured the airport remained open until 2300.
After walking to his aircraft, the pilot removed three tie-downs, each consisting of a passenger car tire filled with concrete (approximately 50–60 kg) attached with ropes. The wing tie-downs were fastened to attachment lugs that he unscrewed and stowed inside. The tail tie-down was attached to the tailwheel. After a pre-flight check, he entered the cockpit and attempted an electric start, but the battery was low (the pilot later noted a GPS had inadvertently drained power). He decided to hand-start the engine by swinging the propeller.
The aircraft had no parking brake, and the wheel fairings prevented use of standard chocks. Since the attachment lugs were already removed, he tied the tail tie-down to the tail before the hand start. The pilot had previous experience with hand starts on this aircraft. He set the controls as usual: electric fuel pump on, propeller control to fine pitch, and throttle slightly forward.
He then walked to the right side of the engine and swung the propeller. The engine started easily but immediately accelerated, causing the aircraft to move forward. He ran around the right wing to reach the cockpit but could not catch up. As he tried to hold the aircraft back, he was struck in the thigh by the concrete-filled tire dragging behind. The impact knocked him to the ground, and he could only watch the aircraft continue eastward across the ramp.
After advancing about 40 meters, the rope broke, and the aircraft began turning left in circles. It gradually approached two other parked aircraft. After roughly 140 meters, during the fourth circle, the right wing of LN-LLT struck the engine of LN-BFK, a Piper PA-28-140. The collision caused LN-LLT to veer sharply right, its propeller cutting into the right wingtip of the Piper. LN-LLT then continued right, its propeller striking the trailing edge of the wing and the right fuselage side of the Piper.
The pilot regained his footing, ran to LN-LLT, and shut down the engine and electrical power. Both wings of the RV-6 were damaged, resulting in fuel leakage. The tower observed the event and alerted emergency services. Fire and rescue personnel arrived and foamed the area. The pilot was taken to hospital for examination and released the next day.
Investigation Findings
Following the accident, the pilot stated he believed the throttle was positioned too far forward when the engine started, causing the high rpm. An inspection the next day confirmed that the throttle friction was properly adjusted, preventing unintended movement.
The aircraft's Pilot's Operating Handbook did not contain a procedure for hand starting. The investigation noted that the aircraft, lacking a parking brake and suitable for chocks, was poorly suited for hand starting without a qualified person in the cockpit.
Safety Considerations
The report highlighted that hand starting inherently carries risks, including injury from the propeller and loss of control if the aircraft moves forward. It advised that hand starts should ideally involve two people—one in the cockpit and one at the propeller—with clear communication. Additional precautions include securing the aircraft with multiple tie-downs, chocks, or parking brakes, and never using more throttle than necessary.
Damage
LN-LLT sustained significant damage to its wings and propeller. LN-BFK, the parked Piper, suffered major damage to its engine, right wing, and fuselage side.