Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C-65 near Fortuna, CA — 2011-08-17

Final reportWPR11LA487
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Date
2011-08-17
Location
Fortuna, CA, USA
Airport
FOT
Aircraft
PIPER J3C-65
Registration
N3453K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Ground

Probable cause

The unexpected engine start during hand propping, which resulted in a serious injury. Contributing to the accident was the lack of communication between the pilot and the individual hand propping the engine.

NTSB narrative

The individual attempting to start the engine by turning the propeller (hand prop) reported that, during the first attempt to start the engine, verbal callouts were used. He further reported that the pilot then told him to pull the propeller through three times. The individual said that he then motioned, without a verbal callout to the pilot, that he would pull the propeller through per the pilot's request. The pilot reported that the individual hand-propping the engine pulled the propeller through a second time before he could secure the airplane by turning off the magnetos. As the individual rotated the propeller and reached to grab the other propeller blade, the engine unexpectedly started, which resulted in the propeller striking the individual in the right arm, causing a fracture.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have ensured clear communication before allowing hand propping.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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