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NTSB Report

March 26, 2003 · Cessna 150G · N3964J

Medina, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 26, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Medina, OH
Aircraft
Cessna 150G
Tail Number
N3964J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA073

The pilot preflighted the airplane, boarded, and engaged the starter. Everything seemed "normal" with the start until the engine started to "race." The airplane "lunged" forward, struck a hangar, and then two parked airplanes before coming to a stop. After the accident, an engine run and brake test was performed. The throttle functioned normally during the engine run, and the brakes were able to hold the airplane in place with the engine operating at full throttle. The aircraft checklist required the brakes to be tested and set prior to the pilot starting the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to follow published procedures while starting the engine, and his failure to maintain control of the airplane.

Full Narrative

On March 26, 2003, about 1545 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150G, N3964J, was substantially damaged on the ground when it impacted a hangar and two parked airplanes at the Medina Municipal Airport (1G5), Medina, Ohio. The certified private pilot was not injured, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he preflighted the airplane, boarded, and engaged the starter. Everything seemed "normal" with the start until the engine started to "race." The airplane "lunged" forward and the pilot closed the throttle, which was open 1/4 inch for the start. He applied the brakes, but the airplane continued to roll forward towards a hangar. To avoid the hangar, he attempted to turn the airplane to the left, but the right wing contacted the corner of the building, and the airplane spun to the right impacting two parked airplanes. The pilot secured all the systems, and exited. He added that during the accident sequence, he pulled the mixture control in an attempt to secure the engine. On March 27, 2003, an engine run was performed by a mechanic under the direction of a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. According to the mechanic, he started the engine and increased power to 2,000 RPM. He then retarded the throttle to idle, and had the wheel chocks removed. Using the brakes to hold the airplane, the mechanic applied full throttle, and the airplane remained stationary. He then retarded the throttle to idle, secured the engine, and concluded the engine run. According to the Cessna operating check list, the second item in the Before Starting the Engine section stated, "Brakes - test and set." The fifth item in the Starting the Engine section stated, "Throttle - Open 1/4"."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:45 EST
Nearest AirportMedina Municipal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150G
Tail NumberN3964J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 79 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 28 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time20:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data