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NTSB Report
May 31, 2010 · Cessna 172K · N78612
Wellington, KS
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Wellington, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N78612
Operator
Lind Edward
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN10CA300
The pilot tried to start his single-engine airplane but realized that the battery was dead and his attempt to charge the battery was unsuccessful. He then prepared to hand-prop the engine by setting the hand brake, priming the engine and turning the ignition on to both magnetos. The throttle was set to the idle position. The pilot moved the propeller and the engine started immediately; however, the hand brake could not hold the thrust of the engine and it started to accelerate. The pilot was unable to catch the airplane as it crossed the taxiways and interposed grass before it finally stopped when it collided with terrain prior to the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine and engine mounts were displaced to the right and that the lower part of the nose landing gear was sheered away.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure the airplane while manually starting the engine with the propeller.
Full Narrative
The private pilot tried to start his single-engine airplane but realized that the battery was dead and his attempt to charge the battery was unsuccessful. So, he prepared to hand-prop the engine by setting the hand break, priming the engine and turning the ignition on to both magnetos. The throttle was set to the idle position. The pilot moved the propeller and the engine started immediately; however, the hand break could not hold the thrust of the engine and it started to accelerate. The pilot was unable to catch the airplane as it crossed the taxiways and interposed grass before it finally stopped when it collided with terrain prior to the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine and engine mounts were displaced to the right, and the lower part of the nose landing gear was sheered away.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:20 CDT
Nearest AirportWellington Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN78612
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLind Edward
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0