No fatalities

24 May 2018: LUSCOMBE 8 A — Batavia, OH

Batavia, OH, United States

On 24 May 2018, a LUSCOMBE 8 A was involved in an aviation accident near Batavia, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot’s use of an improper engine hand-propping procedure, which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During hand-propping, an engine started at full power, causing the aircraft to jump chocks and circle. An airport vehicle was driven into the tail to stop it, resulting in substantial fuselage damage.

Accident Details

A student pilot reported that while hand-propping the engine, the engine started at full power. The airplane subsequently jumped over the wheel chocks and began moving in circles. In an effort to stop the airplane, an airport vehicle was driven into the airplane's tail. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Aircraft Information

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The specific aircraft type, registration, and other details were not provided.

Pilot Statement

The student pilot recommended that better control of the throttle could have prevented the accident.

Contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationStudent/instructed pilot