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February 6, 2011 · Beech 95-B55 (T42A) · N2074L

Van Nuys, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 6, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Aircraft
Beech 95-B55 (T42A)
Tail Number
N2074L
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR11CA123

After completing an uneventful preflight inspection the pilot attempted to start the engines; however, neither would rotate. The pilot assumed that the battery was low, and that a low outside temperature had increased friction within the engine. He exited the airplane with the intention of rotating the propellers by hand, to increase lubrication within the engine. He pulled the left propeller through two rotations, and on the third rotation the engine inadvertently started. The airplane subsequently swiveled to the right and struck a building, causing substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the left engine revealed that with the magneto switch set to the off position, rotation of the propeller by hand did not result in sparks at each spark plug electrode. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had set the parking brakes and chocked the wheels, as well as confirmed that the magneto switches were off and that the throttle and mixture controls were set to the retarded and idle-cutoff positions.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to turn off the engine magnetos and properly secure the airplane prior to rotating the propeller by hand, resulting in inadvertent movement of the airplane and collision with a building.

Full Narrative

After completing an uneventful preflight inspection the pilot attempted to start the engines, however, neither would rotate. The pilot assumed that the battery was low, and that a low outside temperature had increased friction with the engine. He exited the airplane with the intention of rotating the propellers by hand, to increase lubrication within the engine. He pulled the left propeller through two rotations, and on the third, the engine inadvertently started. The airplane subsequently swiveled to the right and struck a building, causing substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the left engine by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, revealed that with the magneto switch set to the off position, rotation of the propeller by hand did not result in sparks at each spark plug electrode. The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had set the parking brakes and chocked the wheels, as well as confirmed that the magneto switches were off, and that the throttle and mixture controls were set to retarded and idle-cutoff position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 PST
Nearest AirportVANNUYS (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledUnknown
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech 95-B55 (T42A)
Tail NumberN2074L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260 | Cont Motor · I0-470 SERIES · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 67 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 18 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time17:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data