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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 3, 1995 · Aeronca 7AC · N82773

Smoketown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 3, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Smoketown, PA
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N82773
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC95LA141

THE PILOT REMOVED THE AIRPLANE FROM A HANGER AND HAD HIS WIFE SIT IN THE FRONT SEAT. HE PROCEEDED TO SET THE CONTROLS FOR AN ENGINE START. HOWEVER, HE SAID HE OVERLOOKED THE THROTTLE, WHICH WAS IN THE FULL OPEN POSITION FROM THE PREVIOUS SHUT DOWN. THE PILOT HAD NOT BRIEFED HIS WIFE ON THE USE OF THE THROTTLE OR BRAKES. HE THEN HAND PROPPED THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE STARTED AND WENT TO FULL POWER. THE AIRPLANE THEN TRAVELED ACROSS THE RAMP AND COLLIDED WITH A PARKED AIRPLANE.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot to follow the recommended starting procedures.

Full Narrative

On July 3, 1995, at 1730 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N82773, was substantially damaged during an uncontrolled taxi at the Smoketown Airport, Smoketown, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed, for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that after he removed the airplane from the hanger, he had his wife sit in the front seat. He further stated: I proceeded to get the controls (fuel, throttle, brakes, etc.) into the starting position. The only thing I over looked was the throttle position, which was in the open position. I also failed to inform my wife of her opportunity to manage the throttle during propping...I propped the engine. It fired and immediately went to full power. This cause the plane to travel to point of impact with the second plane..." According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, the airplane wheels were not chocked during the start.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSmoketown (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN82773
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 45 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data