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NTSB Report
June 29, 1989 · Piper PA-28 · N5302W
Kenai, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 29, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Kenai, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-28
Tail Number
N5302W
Operator
Goforth Aaron G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC89LA109
THE PLT WAS HAND PROPPING HIS ACFT WHILE HIS WIFE, WHO WAS NOT A PLT, WAS AT THE CONTROLS. WHEN THE ENG STARTED, SHE TRIED TO FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS TO 'THROTTLE DOWN,' BUT INCREASED THE THROTTLE SETTING, INSTEAD OF DECREASING IT. SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE ACFT OR SHUT DOWN THE ENG BEFORE THE ACFT CRASHED INTO A PARKED AIRPLANE. BOTH ACFT WERE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO OBTAIN PROPER ASSISTANCE IN STARTING THE ENGINE AND/OR HIS INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. THE PASSENGER'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT RESULTED IN HER IMPROPER USE OF THE THROTTLE WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE PLT WAS HAND PROPPING HIS ACFT WHILE HIS WIFE, WHO WAS NOT A PLT, WAS AT THE CONTROLS. WHEN THE ENG STARTED, SHE TRIED TO FOLLOW HIS INSTRUCTIONS TO 'THROTTLE DOWN,' BUT INCREASED THE THROTTLE SETTING, INSTEAD OF DECREASING IT. SHE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE ACFT OR SHUT DOWN THE ENG BEFORE THE ACFT CRASHED INTO A PARKED AIRPLANE. BOTH ACFT WERE SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:50 AKDT
Nearest AirportKENAI (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28
Tail NumberN5302W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGoforth Aaron G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility70 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time20:47
Weather SourceWFAC