History of the Flight
On 27 April 2025 at approximately 1400 UTC, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration G-JACS) was being operated on a private flight from Fowlmere Aerodrome in Cambridgeshire. The sole pilot, a 72-year-old Private Pilot Licence holder with 219 hours total experience (153 on type), had completed the pre-flight checklist and attempted two engine starts without success. He then sought assistance from a maintenance engineer, who rotated the propeller and suggested another attempt. The pilot reported setting the throttle to ¼ open as per the checklist.
When the engine started, it immediately ran at high power. The pilot attempted to apply the toe brakes and parking brake but was unsuccessful. The aircraft completed a 180° right turn followed by a left turn and struck a building. The engine stopped on impact. The pilot, wearing a three-point harness, received minor injuries to his left elbow and forehead.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft, a 1997 Piper PA-28-181 (serial number 2843078), was powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4M piston engine. Following the incident, the aircraft's checklist was reviewed. The pre-start section required checking the throttle for full and free movement before setting it to ¼ inch open. Full throttle movement on a PA-28 was measured to be approximately 2 inches; setting the throttle to ¼ of its operating range would result in approximately twice the required setting. The braking system was inspected and found to function correctly.
Analysis
The unexpectedly high power level upon engine start was due to the throttle lever being set further open than required by the checklist. It is possible that the pilot set the throttle to ¼ open rather than ¼ inch open. It is also likely that the parking brake was not fully applied, as the aircraft moved immediately after start, and the braking system was subsequently found to work correctly. The pilot's inability to stop the aircraft may have resulted from startle following the unexpected movement and prioritisation of steering over retarding the throttle or applying brakes.
Conclusion
The throttle was set excessively open prior to engine start, leading to an unexpectedly high power setting. It is likely that the parking brake was not fully applied, allowing the aircraft to move. The pilot did not retard the throttle or apply the brakes, and the aircraft struck a building, causing minor injuries to the pilot and significant damage to the aircraft and building.