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NTSB Report
May 25, 1985 · Cessna 170A · N1401D
Bakersfield, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 170A
Tail Number
N1401D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX85LA260
THE PLT PLACED THE IGNITION KEY ON THE ACFT'S DASHBOARD & THEN PROCEEDED TO TURN OVER THE PROP BY HAND. ACFT WAS NOT TIED DOWN OR CHOCKED & THE ENG STARTED. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RESTRAIN THE RUNAWAY ACFT. AFTER BEING DRAGGED FOR SEVERAL YDS, THE PLT LET LOOSE. THE ACFT TRAVELLED FOR 50 TO 60 FT & COLLIDED WITH A HANGAR. EXAM OF THE ACFT'S IGNITION SWITCH DISCLOSED THAT IT WAS WORN & SET TO THE RIGHT MAGNETO 'ON' POSITION. DURING THE PLT'S PREFLIGHT INSPECTION HE FAILED TO DETECT THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITHOUT FIRST TURNING THE SWITCH TO THE 'OFF' POSITION.
Full Narrative
THE PLT PLACED THE IGNITION KEY ON THE ACFT'S DASHBOARD & THEN PROCEEDED TO TURN OVER THE PROP BY HAND. ACFT WAS NOT TIED DOWN OR CHOCKED & THE ENG STARTED. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO RESTRAIN THE RUNAWAY ACFT. AFTER BEING DRAGGED FOR SEVERAL YDS, THE PLT LET LOOSE. THE ACFT TRAVELLED FOR 50 TO 60 FT & COLLIDED WITH A HANGAR. EXAM OF THE ACFT'S IGNITION SWITCH DISCLOSED THAT IT WAS WORN & SET TO THE RIGHT MAGNETO 'ON' POSITION. DURING THE PLT'S PREFLIGHT INSPECTION HE FAILED TO DETECT THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED WITHOUT FIRST TURNING THE SWITCH TO THE 'OFF' POSITION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:00 PDT
Nearest AirportBakersfield Airpark (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 170A
Tail NumberN1401D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-145 · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time05:00
Weather SourcePILO