Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA12CA277

Georgetown, KY, USA

Aircraft #1

N9518J

PIPER PA-28-180

Analysis

The pilot reported that he had difficulty starting the engine. On the third attempt, the engine started at a high rpm, and the airplane rolled forward. The pilot applied left rudder and brakes and reduced the throttle to idle, but the airplane's forward momentum and engine rpm still seemed high, so the pilot used the mixture control to shut down the engine. However, the airplane struck a parked, unoccupied airplane before it stopped, and sustained substantial damage to its right wing. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that he did not experience any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Factual Information

The airplane was parked on the ramp and the pilot reported that he had difficulty starting the engine. On the third attempt, the engine started at a high rpm, and the airplane rolled forward. The pilot applied left rudder to avoid a fuel truck, reduced the throttle to idle, and applied brakes; however, the airplane's forward momentum and engine rpm still seemed high. The pilot subsequently shut-down the engine; however, the airplane struck a parked, unoccupied airplane, and sustained substantial damage to its right wing. Examination of the airplane, which included the brake and throttle control systems did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot also reported that he did not experience any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane after engine start.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports