AERONCA 65 CA near Mount Vernon, OH — 2017-06-17

Probable cause

The pilot's improper starting procedure before hand propping the engine, and his subsequent attempt to stop the moving airplane, which resulted in him being struck by the propeller.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot prepared to hand-prop the airplane, which was not equipped with an electrical starter, by tying the tail down with a nylon rope. The pilot then hand-propped the engine, which started at a high power setting. The airplane moved forward, breaking the rope, and continued to taxi in circles. The pilot and another individual tried to stop the airplane; however, the propeller struck the pilot, resulting in fatal injuries. The airplane eventually came to stop farther down the runway. Although the pilot attempted to secure the airplane by tying down the tail, the throttle was set at a high engine power setting, allowing the airplane's movement.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have chocked the wheels before attempting to hand-prop the engine.

NTSB coding

• AC/prop/rotor contact w person · Prior to flight

Evidence available

• 3 docket documents

Docket documents3

• Pilot Log - excerptother
• Police Report - excerptreport
• Toxicological Reportreport

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