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NTSB Report
April 20, 1991 · Aeronca 7BCM · N81578
Elma, WA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Elma, WA
Aircraft
Aeronca 7BCM
Tail Number
N81578
Operator
Michael a Perdue
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA91LA093
AT THE BEGINNING OF A FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD PLACED CHOCKS IN FRONT OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR AND RETURNED TO THE COCKPIT TO TURN ON THE FUEL. THE PILOT THEN PROCEEDED TO THE PROPELLER TO PULL THE ENGINE THROUGH. AS THE PILOT TURNED THE PROPELLER, THE ENGINE STARTED AT A HIGH RPM AND THE AIRCRAFT JUMPED THE CHOCKS. THE PILOT TRIED TO HANG ONTO THE RIGHT WING AS IT SWUNG AROUND ONCE, MISSING THE FUEL PUMPS AND A PARKED PIPER. THE AIRCRAFT CAME AROUND FOR THE SECOND TIME AND COLLIDED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PIPER.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT USED INADEQUATE STARTING PROCEDURES. FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT DID NOT USE PROPER ASSISTANCE AND THE PASSENGER'S INADVERTENT CONTROL INTERFERENCE.
Full Narrative
AT THE BEGINNING OF A FLIGHT, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE HAD PLACED CHOCKS IN FRONT OF THE MAIN LANDING GEAR AND RETURNED TO THE COCKPIT TO TURN ON THE FUEL. THE PILOT THEN PROCEEDED TO THE PROPELLER TO PULL THE ENGINE THROUGH. AS THE PILOT TURNED THE PROPELLER, THE ENGINE STARTED AT A HIGH RPM AND THE AIRCRAFT JUMPED THE CHOCKS. THE PILOT TRIED TO HANG ONTO THE RIGHT WING AS IT SWUNG AROUND ONCE, MISSING THE FUEL PUMPS AND A PARKED PIPER. THE AIRCRAFT CAME AROUND FOR THE SECOND TIME AND COLLIDED INTO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PIPER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:40 PDT
Nearest AirportELMA (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAeronca 7BCM
Tail NumberN81578
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMichael a Perdue
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-9 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility35 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO