Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172B near Mt Olive, NC — 2014-03-22

Final reportERA14CA176
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Date
2014-03-22
Location
Mt Olive, NC, USA
Airport
W40
Aircraft
CESSNA 172B
Registration
N8988B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to adequately secure the airplane before hand-propping the engine for startup.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, when he attempted to start the airplane, "the battery was low." He exited the airplane, instructed the passenger to remain in the airplane and how to turn the magnetos on and off, and he utilized the tail tie down hook and secured the tail down with a rope on the ramp. The pilot hand-propped the engine, it started, the throttle was "too far in," and the airplane accelerated forward. The "old" tie down rope broke, the airplane continued forward, and the passenger in the airplane turned the magnetos to the "OFF" position. However, the airplane impacted a hangar and then came to rest. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall and right wing during the accident sequence. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane, other than the low battery, that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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