What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-11-27 involved a aircraft, at :, FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to use the checklist and perform sufficient pre-start verifications, which resulted in the engine being started with the throttle in the full-power position.

Ultralight Collision with Hangar at Saint-Denis Gillot

A B&F Technik FK9 Mark 4 ultralight experienced an unintended taxi following engine start, resulting in a collision with a hangar at Saint-Denis Gillot airport.

What happened

On November 27, 2004, at approximately 08:15, a B&F Technik FK9 Mark 4 ultralight, identified as 974-FP, was involved in a ground accident at Saint-Denis Gillot aerodrome. The pilot, accompanied by one passenger, had rented the aircraft for a local flight intended to overfly the Salazie cirque.

During the pre-flight phase, the pilot performed the necessary inspections and seated the passenger. While the pilot was adjusting his seat in the left position, the engine was started. Immediately following the start, the engine speed increased rapidly, causing the aircraft to begin taxiing toward a nearby hangar. Despite the pilot's attempts to apply the brakes, the aircraft continued across a portion of the parking area and struck the hangar door. Following the impact, the pilot shut off the electrical circuit and the fuel valve before evacuating the aircraft with the passenger. There were no fatalities or injuries reported.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the pilot's actions during the engine start sequence. Investigators examined the braking system and the engine, finding no mechanical failures in either component. The engine was noted to be warm, as the aircraft had flown shortly before the incident.

Upon inspection of the cockpit, the throttle lever was found in the full-power position. It was determined that the pilot may have inadvertently pushed the throttle forward while settling into the cockpit. Furthermore, the pilot admitted to performing the engine start sequence from memory rather than utilizing the onboard checklist. He also could not confirm whether the parking brake had been engaged prior to starting the engine.

Findings

The primary cause of the uncontrolled taxi was the throttle lever being positioned at full power during the engine start.
The pilot failed to perform adequate pre-start checks, specifically by relying on memory instead of using the official checklist.
The pilot's reaction to the sudden increase in engine RPM was inappropriate, as he did not immediately attempt to throttle back the engine, mistakenly believing he was facing a mechanical malfunction.
The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the propeller cone, and the leading edge of both wings.