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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 30, 1994 · Taylorcraft BC-12-D · N39283

Punta Gorda, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 30, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 unknown outcomes
Location
Punta Gorda, FL
Aircraft
Taylorcraft BC-12-D
Tail Number
N39283
Operator
Harold O Preston
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA202

THE PRIVATE PILOT MADE A DECISION TO HAND PROP THE AIRPLANE TO START THE ENGINE WITHOUT TIEDOWNS, CHOCKS, OR BRAKES. A PASSERBY STATED THAT HE WOULD HOLD THE TAIL. THE PILOT HAND PROPPED THE ENGINE AND IT STARTED. THE PASSERBY THEN LET GO OF THE TAIL. THE PILOT, THE PASSERBY AND ANOTHER PERSON ALL ATTEMPTED TO GRAB THE AIRPLANE AND ALL RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES BEFORE THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A HANGAR AND A CAR AND CAME TO REST.

NTSB Probable Cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO TIEDOWN THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING AN ENGINE START BY HAND PROPPING. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S COMPLACENCY.

Full Narrative

On August 30, 1994, about 0940 eastern daylight time, N39283 was substantially damaged on starting attempt, at Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida. The airplane was registered to EZ Flying Club Inc., and was attempting to initiate a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the proposed local flight. The airplane, a car, and a hangar were substantially damaged and three people on the ramp received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time. The pilot decided to hand prop the airplane engine without tiedowns, chocks, or brakes being used. One ramp person was holding the tail and the pilot hand prop started the engine. The engine started and the ramp person let go of the airplane. As the airplane spun around on the ramp the pilot and another person attempted to grab it. All three people received minor injuries during their attempts. The airplane then struck a car and a hangar and came to rest.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:40 EDT
Nearest AirportCharlotte County (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTaylorcraft BC-12-D
Tail NumberN39283
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarold O Preston
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-B · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 unknown outcomes
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 74 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:38
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data