PUNTA GORDA, FL, USA
N39283
TAYLORCRAFT BC-12-D
THE PRIVATE PILOT MADE A DECISION TO HAND PROP THE AIRPLANE TO START THE ENGINE WITHOUT TIEDOWNS, CHOCKS, OR BRAKES. A PASSERBY STATED THAT HE WOULD HOLD THE TAIL. THE PILOT HAND PROPPED THE ENGINE AND IT STARTED. THE PASSERBY THEN LET GO OF THE TAIL. THE PILOT, THE PASSERBY AND ANOTHER PERSON ALL ATTEMPTED TO GRAB THE AIRPLANE AND ALL RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES BEFORE THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A HANGAR AND A CAR AND CAME TO REST.
On August 30, 1994, about 0940 eastern daylight time, N39283 was substantially damaged on starting attempt, at Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida. The airplane was registered to EZ Flying Club Inc., and was attempting to initiate a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the proposed local flight. The airplane, a car, and a hangar were substantially damaged and three people on the ramp received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time. The pilot decided to hand prop the airplane engine without tiedowns, chocks, or brakes being used. One ramp person was holding the tail and the pilot hand prop started the engine. The engine started and the ramp person let go of the airplane. As the airplane spun around on the ramp the pilot and another person attempted to grab it. All three people received minor injuries during their attempts. The airplane then struck a car and a hangar and came to rest.
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO TIEDOWN THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING AN ENGINE START BY HAND PROPPING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S COMPLACENCY.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
