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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

February 6, 1988 · Cessna 177 · N313AC

Petersburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 1988
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Petersburg, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 177
Tail Number
N313AC
Operator
Robert L Vaughan
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO88LA017

THE PLT HAND-PROPPED THE ENGINE WHEN HE WAS UNABLE TO START IT USING THE STARTER. THE ACFT HAD JUST BEEN REFUELED AND IT WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE FUEL PUMPS. THE PLT PUSHED THE ACFT AWAY FROM THE PUMPS BEFORE HE TRIED TO HAND-PROP IT. AFTER THE THIRD HAND-PROP ATTEMPT THE ENGINE STARTED. AS HE TRIED TO BOARD THE ACFT IT MOVED FORWARD AND HE WAS KNOCKED DOWN BY THE LANDING GEAR. THE ACFT MOVED AHEAD UNTIL IT STRUCK A PIPER ARROW THAT WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE FUEL PUMPS.

Full Narrative

THE PLT HAND-PROPPED THE ENGINE WHEN HE WAS UNABLE TO START IT USING THE STARTER. THE ACFT HAD JUST BEEN REFUELED AND IT WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE FUEL PUMPS. THE PLT PUSHED THE ACFT AWAY FROM THE PUMPS BEFORE HE TRIED TO HAND-PROP IT. AFTER THE THIRD HAND-PROP ATTEMPT THE ENGINE STARTED. AS HE TRIED TO BOARD THE ACFT IT MOVED FORWARD AND HE WAS KNOCKED DOWN BY THE LANDING GEAR. THE ACFT MOVED AHEAD UNTIL IT STRUCK A PIPER ARROW THAT WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE FUEL PUMPS.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:10 EST
Nearest AirportPetersburg (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 177
Tail NumberN313AC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRobert L Vaughan
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data