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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

June 20, 2005 · Piper J3C-65 · N33818

Fredericksburg, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 20, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fredericksburg, PA
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N33818
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC05CA104

After landing, the pilot waited about 15 minutes, and then "wanted to see if the Cub would start when hot." He planned on hand propping the airplane, and then performing a short local flight. The pilot stated that "instead of getting help propping the Cub," he put a chock under the wheel, attempted to start the airplane, and proceeded to flood the engine. He then increased the throttle setting, turned the mags off, exited the airplane, and turned the propeller by hand, several times, to clear the engine. He then leaned inside the airplane to turn the mags back on; however, he did not retard the throttle. The airplane "jumped the chock," crossed a field, and impacted a light pole. Federal Aviation Administration publication, Preventing Accidents During Aircraft Ground Operations (FAA-P-8740-20), provided suggestions to aid in increasing the safety factor while hand starting airplanes. The publication stated, in part, "No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls. The person turning the propeller should be properly trained in the technique of hand cranking. If you have in mind to try hand propping by yourself - DON'T. If you must hand prop - get qualified help to position the engine controls and switches during the starting procedure. If hand propping can be avoided - DO."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper engine starting procedures, which resulted in the airplane taxiing unoccupied and impacting a light pole.

Full Narrative

On June 20, 2005, at 1500 eastern daylight time, a Piper J3C-65, N33818, was substantially damaged after impacting a light pole, while taxiing unoccupied, at the Farmers Pride Airport (9N7), Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the planned personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, after he landed at 9N7, he waited about 15 minutes, and then "wanted to see if the Cub would start when hot." He planned to hand prop the airplane and then perform a short local flight. The pilot stated that "instead of getting help propping the Cub," he put a chock under the wheel, attempted to start the airplane, and proceeded to flood the engine. He then increased the throttle setting, turned the mags off, exited the airplane, and turned the propeller, by hand, several times, to clear the engine. He leaned inside the airplane to turn the mags back on; however, he did not retard the throttle. The airplane "jumped the chock," crossed a field, and impacted a light pole. Federal Aviation Administration publication, Preventing Accidents During Aircraft Ground Operations (FAA-P-8740-20), provided suggestions to aid in increasing the safety factor while hand starting airplanes. The publication stated, in part, "No one should attempt to start an aircraft engine without a qualified person at the cockpit controls. The person turning the propeller should be properly trained in the technique of hand cranking. If you have in mind to try hand propping by yourself - DON'T. If you must hand prop - get qualified help to position the engine controls and switches during the starting procedure. If hand propping can be avoided - DO."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFarmers Pride Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN33818
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A&C 65 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time20:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data