On May 25, 1997, at 1410 eastern daylight time (edt), a Piper PA- 28-180, N8872J, owned and operated by a private pilot, was substantially damaged after striking a parked airplane at the Houghton County Memorial Airport, Houghton, Michigan. The pilot was hand propping the airplane when it started and taxied with two passengers on board. The pilot and two passengers reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. According to the pilot's written statement, he attempted to start the engine but the starter motor would not engage. The pilot exited the airplane and attempted to pull the propeller through by hand several times. He then attempted to start the engine but still the starter motor would not engage. He exited the airplane again to pull the propeller though by hand and this time the engine started. The airplane began taxiing on the ramp with two passengers in the aft seats and no one at the controls. The pilot was unable to board the airplane which consequently struck another airplane which was parked on the ramp. Inspection of the airplane revealed that the it was not chocked or tied down and the magneto switch was in the on position. The ramp area revealed no skid marks.