JEAN, NV, USA
N84889
Aeronca 7AC
N68820
Boeing Stearman PT-17
The pilot was attempting to hand prop his airplane without it being secured, and without anyone at the controls. When the Aeronca did start, it got away from both the pilot and the individual who was attempting to hold the tail, and collided with another airplane. Another bystander tried to help stop the Aeronca but was knocked down on the ground and struck his head. The airplane then turned to the right until the right front of the Aeronca struck the right front of Boeing PT-17, which was waiting in the run-up area, with the airplane engine idling, to depart with the Aeronca as a flight of two.
On January 9, 2003, about 1330 Pacific standard time, an Aeronca 7AC, N84889, collided with a Boeing Stearman PT-17, N68820, at the Jean, Nevada, airport after the airplane started and left its parking place while being hand propped. Both airplanes were being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Both airplanes received substantial damage. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, in the Boeing was not injured. The private pilot of the Aeronca was not injured; however, an individual who had been holding the tail, as well as a bystander who attempted to render assistance, both received minor injuries. The intended personal cross-country flight was to depart Jean, en route to the North Las Vegas, Nevada airport. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot of the Aeronca was attempting to hand prop his airplane without it being secured and without anyone at the controls. When the Aeronca did start, it got away from both the pilot and the individual who was attempting to hold the tail. Another bystander tried to help stop the Aeronca but was knocked down on the ground and struck his head. The airplane then turned to the right until the right front of the Aeronca struck the right front of the Boeing. The pilot of the Boeing was waiting in the run-up area, with the airplane engine idling, and was waiting to depart with the Aeronca as a flight of two.
The pilot's use of an improper starting procedure and his failure to obtain appropriate assistance.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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