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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

August 21, 1997 · Beech G35 · N4630D

Belleville, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 21, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Belleville, MI
Aircraft
Beech G35
Tail Number
N4630D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA268

The pilot and passenger exited the unsecured airplane, so the pilot could move the propeller by hand '...off of the starter's 'dead spot.' The engine started, and the unoccupied airplane moved (taxied) across the airport. The airplane nosed over after contacting a chain link fence and a ditch. The pilot stated the throttle was set a 1,000 rpm, the mixture was rich, the battery and generator switches were on ,and he turned the magnetos off prior to exiting the airplane. Postaccident inspection of the airplane failed to reveal any failure/malfunction of the airplane's ignition system.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision by failing to assure that the airplane was either tied down or chocked prior to pulling the propeller through, which started the engine with no one at the controls.

Full Narrative

On August 21, 1997, at 1515 eastern daylight time (edt), a Beech G35, N4630D, operated by a commercial pilot collided with a fence, and a ditch prior to nosing over near the Willow Run Airport, Belleville, Michigan. The engine started when the pilot moved the propeller by hand. Both the pilot and passenger who were outside the airplane when the engine started were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was to have originated from the Willow Run Airport. The pilot stated that the engine was hot and he could not get it srated. He reported that the throttle was set at 1,000 rpm, the mixture was full rich, the battery and generator switches were on, and the magnetos were on; however, the recalled turning the magnetos off prior to exiting the airplane. He stated he and the passenger departed the airplane so he could "...manually turn the propeller off of the starter's "dead" spot." He stated that he moved the propeller slightly at which time the engine started. The pilot reported that the airplane which was not tied down or secured with chocks started moving toward an FBO flight line. He stated he put pressure on the right wing in order to turn the airplane away from the flight line. He stated he turned the airplane 200 to 240 degrees to the right. The airplane traveled approximately one mile prior to contacting a chain link fence and a six foot deep ditch at which time it nosed over. The airplane's ignition system was inspected by a Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Inspector. He reported that the "...magneto switch worked normally and that all magneto P-leads were properly installed and functional."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 EDT
Nearest AirportWillow Run (1nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech G35
Tail NumberN4630D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E225-8 · Reciprocating · 225
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 14 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 4500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 55
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time18:17
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data