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April 22, 2011 · Piper J3C-65 · N10674

Westfield, MA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 22, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Westfield, MA
Aircraft
Piper J3C-65
Tail Number
N10674
Operator
Westfield Flight Academy
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA261

The pilot stated that he was hand-propping the airplane, as it was not equipped with an electric starter. A passenger, who had flown with him twice since the previous fall, was sitting in the front seat. The pilot instructed the passenger to hold the heel brakes with her toes, and initially verified her ability to do so by pushing on the propeller hub. He then returned to the cockpit area and explained the application of full-aft elevator stick to prevent propeller airflow from raising the tail, and the use of the throttle, which he opened 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the start. The pilot also explained the use of the magnetos, had the passenger turn the magneto switch through the "Both" and "Off" positions twice, and advised her that if anything went wrong, to switch the magnetos off. After priming the engine, the pilot confirmed that the brakes were set by attempting to push the airplane from the propeller hub, then confirmed elevator movement when the control stick was fully aft. The pilot threw the propeller and on the third attempt the engine caught. As the pilot walked around the wing tip to get into the airplane, the airplane began rolling. He called out for the passenger to turn off the magnetos; however, the airplane rolled into a parked airplane. The pilot did not note any mechanical anomalies with the airplane, nor did he indicate the use of any other airplane securing devices such as chocks or a tail tie-down.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's sole reliance on the passenger for securing the airplane during the engine start and the passenger's inability to maintain braking after the engine started.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he was hand-propping the airplane, as it was not equipped with an electric starter. A passenger, who had flown with him twice since the previous fall, was sitting in the front seat. The pilot instructed the passenger to hold the heel brakes with her toes, and initially verified her ability to do so by pushing on the propeller hub. He then returned to the cockpit area and explained the application of full-aft elevator stick to prevent propeller airflow from raising the tail, and the use of the throttle, which he opened 1/8 to 1/4 inch for the start. The pilot also explained the use of the magnetos, had the passenger turn the magneto switch through the "Both" and "Off" positions twice, and advised her that if anything went wrong, to switch the magnetos off. After priming the engine, the pilot called out, "brakes - set," and again confirmed them by attempting to push the airplane from the propeller hub, then called out, "stick - back," and confirmed elevator movement. The pilot threw the propeller, and on the third attempt, the engine caught. As the pilot walked around the wingtip to get into the airplane, the airplane began rolling. He called out for the passenger to turn off the magnetos; however, the airplane rolled into a parked airplane. The pilot did not note any mechanical anomalies with the airplane, nor did he indicate the use of any other airplane securing devices such as chocks or a tail tie-down.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:45 EDT
Nearest AirportBarnes Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper J3C-65
Tail NumberN10674
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWestfield Flight Academy
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 22 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 13 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 25 C
Altimeter30.39 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data