Pilot Debrief

Aeronca 7AC near Ankeny, IA — 2020-03-11

Final reportCEN20CA120
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Date
2020-03-11
Location
Ankeny, IA, USA
Airport
IKV
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Registration
N83032
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper starting procedure, which allowed the airplane to move forward over the wheel chocks and impact him and a hangar when he subsequently hand propped the engine.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he attempted to hand prop the engine numerous times without success. He returned to the cockpit and turned the magneto switch to the "off" position and advanced the throttle to between 1/2 and 3/4 travel. He then exited the cockpit and turned the propeller backward five to six "blades" to clear the cylinders. The pilot again returned to the cockpit and turned the magneto switch back to the "on" position, but he did not retard the throttle back to idle. He attempted to hand prop the engine again, and it started. Due to the engine's throttle setting, the airplane moved forward over the wheel chocks and struck the pilot, which resulted in serious injuries, and then a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall and fuselage.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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