Runaway aircraft causes collision during hand-start at Ålesund Airport

Casualties unknown • Ålesund airport Vigra, Norway (ENAL), NO

A Vans RV-6 became uncontrolled during a manual engine start, striking a parked Piper aircraft and causing significant damage.

What happened

On the evening of July 28, 2015, a Vans RV-6, registration LN-LLT, was prepared for departure from Ålesund Airport Vigra. The pilot, having arrived at the airport via a scheduled flight, intended to fly to Ørsta-Volda Airport Hovden. Because the aircraft's battery had insufficient charge, the pilot decided to perform a manual engine start by hand-swinging the propeller.

Prior to the start, the pilot had released the primary wing tie-downs, which used heavy concrete-filled tires for stability. To secure the aircraft, the pilot tied a single remaining tether to the tailwheel. As the engine was started, the RPM increased rapidly, causing the aircraft to move forward unexpectedly. The pilot attempted to reach the cockpit to intervene but was struck by a heavy concrete tie-down weight. The aircraft then traveled approximately 140 meters in a series of turns, eventually colliding with a parked Piper PA-28-140, registration LN-BFK. The collision caused significant damage to the wings and propeller of LN-LLT and substantial damage to the wing and fuselage of LN-BFK.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the aircraft's uncontrolled forward movement following a manual engine start, which occurred because the pilot failed to implement sufficient safety barriers to prevent a runaway situation. Specifically, the engine's high thrust exceeded the restraint provided by a single tailwheel tether, and the lack of a parking brake or accessible wheel chocks left the aircraft vulnerable to movement caused by an improper throttle position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2015-07-28 Vans RV-6 accident near Ålesund airport Vigra, Norway (ENAL), NO?

A Vans RV-6 became uncontrolled during a manual engine start, striking a parked Piper aircraft and causing significant damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2015-07-28 involved a Vans RV-6, registration LN-LLT, operated by Private, at Ålesund airport Vigra, Norway (ENAL), NO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the aircraft's uncontrolled forward movement following a manual engine start, which occurred because the pilot failed to implement sufficient safety barriers to prevent a runaway situation. Specifically, the engine's high thrust exceeded the restraint provided by a single tailwheel tether,…

Investigation report by the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA). Original record: https://nsia.no/Aviation/Aviation/Published-reports/2015-15. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Norwegian Safety Investigation Authority (NSIA) / Statens havarikommisjon, Norway.

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