P&M AVIATION LTD QUIKR near Gulf Shores, AL — 2014-05-22

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain aircraft control during engine startup, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow engine startup procedures and a sudden surge of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to follow engine startup procedures and a sudden surge of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot attempted to start the weight-shift-aircraft's engine in an area surrounded by hangars. After about eight attempts to start the engine, it finally engaged and immediately advanced to takeoff power. The aircraft then collided with a parked airplane about 150 ft from its original starting position, spun right, impacted a hangar door, and came to rest. Postaccident examination of the throttle system revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. Although two throttle cable snag hazards were identified that could have resulted in a stuck throttle, it could not be determined if either possible hazard caused the throttle to become stuck in the open position. According to the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH), the aircraft should have been pointing away from people, vehicles, or buildings during startup. The POH also stated that, if the engine does not start after five or six attempts, the pilot should switch the ignition off and investigate the cause of the problem.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have ensured throttle was fully closed before starting engine.

NTSB coding

• Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail · Standing-engine(s) start-up

Evidence available

• Photos
• 15 docket documents

Docket documents15

• Certification of Party Representative Formsform
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Excerpt from Aircraft Logbookother
• Excerpts from Airframe Manufacturer Illustrated Parts Catalogueother
• Excerpts from Pilot's Operating Handbookother
• FAA Damage Assessmentother
• FAA Stuck Throttle Notesother
• Memorandum of Record - Pilotother
• Runaway Throttle Articleother
• Photo 1 - Carburetor 1 Mixture and Throttle Controls (Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 2 - Carburetor 1 Throttle Control in Closed Position (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 3 - Foot Throttle and Cable (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Report from Airframe Manufacturerreport
• Weather Report and Recordreport
• Release of Wreckagewreckage