PIPER PA-17 near Delphi, IN — 2015-09-09

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to start the engine by himself without properly securing the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot had recently purchased the airplane. It was not equipped with a starter nor did it have a parking brake. Up until this time, the pilot had used someone else to hand prop the engine while he sat at the controls. This was the pilot's first attempt to start the engine by himself. The airplane was not tied down nor chocked. The engine started and the airplane taxied across the tarmac and collided with an airport-owned hangar. There was an intention for flight. The pilot admitted his "lack of experience with this aircraft and [his] overly-high confidence level [was the cause of the] accident."

NTSB coding

• Ground handling event · Standing-engine(s) start-up
• Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

• Photos
• 2 docket documents

Docket documents2

• Pilot's Statementinterview
• Report Photosphotos

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