Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB near Leesburg, VA — 2011-09-10

Final reportERA11CA488
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Date
2011-09-10
Location
Leesburg, VA, USA
Airport
JYO
Aircraft
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8KCAB
Registration
N878AC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot did not follow the engine start checklist.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he went through the normal pre-flight and engine start checklist. To start the engine, he performed the following steps: mixture set full on (rich), fuel pump turned on for about 3 seconds (then off), mixture full off, throttle full open, and starter engaged. The engine started, and he pushed the mixture full on. The engine went to full power, and the airplane nosed down onto the taxiway, which resulted in the propeller striking the ground and the airplane’s firewall sustaining substantial damage. The pilot stated that, after review of the situation, it was apparent that he had not followed the starting checklist accurately in that the throttle should have been set to 1/2-inch open for starting instead of full open. He also stated that he should have placed his hand on the throttle immediately after the mixture control was pushed full on in order to retard the throttle after the engine started.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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