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NTSB Report
May 3, 1992 · Cessna 120 · N72973
Wilmington, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Wilmington, NC
Aircraft
Cessna 120
Tail Number
N72973
Operator
Pardee Douglas L
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL92LA094
THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS HAND PROPPING HIS AIRPLANE IN PREPARATION FOR A PERSONAL FLIGHT. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT CHOCKED, AND WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED, THE THROTTLE WAS IN A MIDRANGE POSITION. THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO ROLL, AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE CONTROLS. THE UNATTENDED AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TWO FUEL TRUCKS BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE RUNAWAY AIRPLANE, THE PILOT WAS STRUCK BY THE AIRCRAFT TAIL.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN PROPER ASSISTANCE DURING THE ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE, AND HIS FAILURE TO PROPERLY ATTEND TO THE AIRPLANE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING.
Full Narrative
THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS HAND PROPPING HIS AIRPLANE IN PREPARATION FOR A PERSONAL FLIGHT. A WITNESS REPORTED THAT THE WHEELS WERE NOT CHOCKED, AND WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED, THE THROTTLE WAS IN A MIDRANGE POSITION. THE AIRPLANE BEGAN TO ROLL, AND THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE CONTROLS. THE UNATTENDED AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TWO FUEL TRUCKS BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE RUNAWAY AIRPLANE, THE PILOT WAS STRUCK BY THE AIRCRAFT TAIL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 EDT
Nearest AirportNew Hanover International (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 120
Tail NumberN72973
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPardee Douglas L
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85-12 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC