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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

December 28, 2008 · Cessna 150F · N8212F

Palenstine, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 28, 2008
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Palenstine, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 150F
Tail Number
N8212F
Operator
Fielden Virgil A
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09LA107

The private pilot and a 6-year old passenger boarded the airplane for a local flight. After a failed attempt to start the engine, the pilot recalled securing the master switch and the magnetos prior to exiting the cockpit to rotate the propeller by hand. While turning the propeller to "limber" the oil, the airplane's engine inadvertently started. As the airplane moved forward, an unknown part of the airplane contacted the pilot causing serious injuries. The airplane, with the passenger still on-board, traversed the airport before colliding with trees. The passenger was seriously injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. A responding fire fighter reported turning off the magneto and fuel switches during the initial response.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot to ensure security of the cockpit switches before rotating the propeller.

Full Narrative

On December 28, 2008, at 1607 central standard time, a Cessna 150F was substantially damaged upon impact with trees near Palestine, Texas. The private pilot and passenger both received serious injuries. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. The airplane was on the ramp area of Palestine Municipal Airport (PSN), Palestine, Texas. Visual meteorological condition prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot provided a statement to the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector as well as a completed Form 6120 to the Investigator in charge. The pilot stated that he planned on giving his 6-year old granddaughter a flight in the airplane. After the second failed attempt to start the engine, the pilot recalled turning off the ignition and master switches. With the passenger still buckled in the passenger seat, the pilot began manually turning the propeller in an effort to "limber the oil." After the third propeller rotation, the airplane's engine started. The pilot was injured as the airplane moved forward. The airplane continued to gain speed as it transversed the airport before impacting trees. The passenger was injured in the crash. The airplane sustained damage to the wing spars, fuselage and empennage. In an interview with the responding FAA inspector, a fire fighter reported turning off the key switch (magneto switch) and the fuel shutoff during the initial response.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:07 CST
Nearest AirportPalestine Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150F
Tail NumberN8212F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorFielden Virgil A
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-200 SERIES · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 71 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 27 C
Altimeter30.27 inHg
Observation Time21:49
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data