Accident Details
A pilot reported that while attempting a hand propeller start of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, a passenger stood in front of the horizontal stabilizer to secure the aircraft. The pilot rotated the propeller with the throttle "cracked," and the engine started but "ran fast enough" to overcome the passenger's hold. The airplane began to move forward, and the pilot grabbed the lower right-wing strut in an attempt to board. He subsequently let go, and the left main landing gear ran over his shoulder. The airplane then struck maintenance equipment.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Pilot's Account
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that the throttle was "cracked a little more than it should have been." He also noted that wheel chocks were not used before attempting the start. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.