Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 170A near Palmetto, FL — 2015-03-12

Final reportGAA15CA008
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Date
2015-03-12
Location
Palmetto, FL, USA
Airport
48X
Aircraft
CESSNA 170A
Registration
N170TW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to use the proper hand propping procedures, resulting in a runaway airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were on a cross-country flight when the pilot noticed that the battery was no longer charging. After landing, the pilot decided to save battery power for the return flight by hand propping the airplane. He briefed the passenger for the hand start procedure, but did not realize the throttle was in the full throttle position. Upon starting, the engine went to full power. The pilot was unable to reenter the airplane before it made two tight left circles on the ramp and collided with an open hangar and the airplane inside. Federal Aviation Administration Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge FAA-8037-3a contains a section titled, "Hand Propping", which indicates to never allow a person unfamiliar with the controls to occupy the pilot's seat when hand propping. The section also indicates that an additional precaution includes placement of chalks in front of the main tires or if not feasible, the airplane's tail may be securely tied.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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