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July 4, 2009 · Waco UPF-7 · N32132

Manteo, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2009
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Manteo, NC
Aircraft
Waco UPF-7
Tail Number
N32132
Operator
Obx Air Tours
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09CA375

The pilot was giving scenic rides in the vintage airplane. The airplane was parked on the ramp, with the engine operating, and two passengers seated in the front seat. The pilot stated that he set the parking brake, and exited the airplane to secure a baggage latch, when one of the passengers "bumped" the throttle. The passenger seated in the left front seat stated that he and his wife were escorted to, and seated in the airplane, while the pilot was talking with a passenger from the previous flight. He further stated that he was in the airplane for a few seconds, when he turned, and then heard the engine sound increase. The airplane accelerated across the ramp, and struck a parked airplane. Damage to the airplane consisted of bent left wing struts with the upper left wing bent downward approximately 30 degrees, and a bent left aileron. The passenger further stated that he did not receive any pre-boarding instructions or a pre-flight briefing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. It was noted that the engine controls were located on the left side wall of the cabin.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper decision to exit the airplane, with the engine operating. Contributing to the accident was the inadvertent throttle movement by the passenger.

Full Narrative

The pilot was giving scenic rides in the vintage airplane. The airplane was parked on the ramp, with the engine operating, and two passengers seated in the front seat. The pilot stated he set the parking brake, and exited the airplane to secure a baggage latch, when one of the passengers "bumped" the throttle. The passenger seated in the left front seat stated that he and his wife were escorted to, and seated in the airplane, while the pilot was talking with a passenger from the previous flight. He further stated that he was in the airplane for a few seconds, when he turned, and then heard the engine sound increase. The airplane accelerated across the ramp, and struck a parked airplane. Damage to the airplane consisted of bent left wing struts with the upper left wing bent downward approximately 30 degrees, and a bent left aileron. The passenger further stated that he did not receive any pre-boarding instructions or a pre-flight briefing. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. It was noted that the engine controls were located on the left side wall of the cabin.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 EDT
Nearest AirportDare County Regional Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWaco UPF-7
Tail NumberN32132
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorObx Air Tours
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · R-670-6A · Reciprocating · 225
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time16:01
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data