Accident Details
On 3 May 1999 at 0445z, a Piper PA28-180 aircraft (registration ZS-EIV) was positioned on the apron at Grand Central Airport. The pilot, who was the sole person on board, intended to fly to Sasolburg. During the pre-start procedures, the pilot attempted to start the engine but discovered that the starter motor was unserviceable. He then chose to start the engine by hand, meaning he would swing the propeller manually. The aircraft's parking brake was not set, and no chocks were placed under the wheels. When the engine started, the aircraft immediately began to roll forward. The pilot attempted to board the moving aircraft but slipped and fell. The aircraft continued its forward motion for approximately 100 meters and then collided with a parked aircraft. No persons were injured, and no fatalities resulted from the accident.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft involved was a Piper PA28-180, registration ZS-EIV. The owner/operator was recorded as Dutton R. The pilot, aged 34, held a valid pilot license (number PA15557). He had accumulated 253 hours and 25 minutes total flying time, of which 160 hours and 20 minutes were on the PA28-180 type.
Meteorological Conditions
The weather at the accident site was reported as fine.
Probable Cause
The official investigation stated that the probable cause was that the pilot neither used chocks nor applied the parking brake when he hand-started the engine.