Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-46-310P near Venice, FL — 2013-02-23

Final reportERA13CA182
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Date
2013-02-23
Location
Venice, FL, USA
Airport
VNC
Aircraft
PIPER PA-46-310P
Registration
C-GNEW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to secure the airplane before moving the propeller to assist the engine start.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, he attempted to start the engine while it was still warm. He noted that he used several throttle and mixture lever positions to try to start the engine but that the starter clutch would not engage and the engine would not start. The pilot turned off the master switch, but he inadvertently left the magneto switch in the ON position. He then exited the airplane and rotated the propeller to assist the engine start. As he started to walk back to re-enter the airplane, the propeller moved, and the engine started. The airplane moved forward, struck a taxiway light, and came to rest in a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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