On 6 Jan 2017, a CESSNA 175 B was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeport, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to secure the airplane before pulling the propeller through, which resulted in the airplane rolling and subsequently colliding with a parked airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During an engine start attempt, a pilot exited the airplane after the starter failed to engage; the airplane then started on its own, rolled across the tarmac, and struck a parked airplane, causing substantial damage to the left wing spar.
Background
The pilot reported that he attempted to start the airplane but the starter did not engage the flywheel. He turned off the master switch and exited the airplane.
Events
After exiting, the pilot was alone when he pulled the propeller through. The airplane then started. The unoccupied airplane rolled across the tarmac and collided with the empennage of a parked airplane.
Damage
Substantial damage was sustained to the left wing spar of the accident airplane.
Pilot's Statement
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.