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June 17, 2017 · Aeronca 65 CA NO Series · N33778

Mount Vernon, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 2017
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 fatality)
Location
Mount Vernon, OH
Aircraft
Aeronca 65 CA NO Series (1941)
Tail Number
N33778
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CEN17LA234

The private pilot prepared to hand-prop the airplane, which was not equipped with an electrical starter, by tying the tail down with a nylon rope. The pilot then hand-propped the engine, which started at a high power setting. The airplane moved forward, breaking the rope, and continued to taxi in circles. The pilot and another individual tried to stop the airplane; however, the propeller struck the pilot, resulting in fatal injuries. The airplane eventually came to stop farther down the runway. Although the pilot attempted to secure the airplane by tying down the tail, the throttle was set at a high engine power setting, allowing the airplane's movement.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper starting procedure before hand propping the engine, and his subsequent attempt to stop the moving airplane, which resulted in him being struck by the propeller.

Full Narrative

On June 17, 2017, about 1330 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 65-CA airplane, N33778, experienced a propeller blade strike during an attempted hand prop of the engine at the Wynkoop Airport (6G4), Mount Vernon, Ohio. The pilot, and intended sole occupant, was fatally injured and the airplane sustained minor damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the planned flight. Information collected by the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector and an Ohio State Patrol officer, indicate the pilot attempted to start the engine by hand-propping the airplane. According to a person located at 6G4, the pilot had flown in arrived at 6G4 earlier and was to depart. The person added that the pilot tied the tail of the airplane off with a nylon rope that he had brought with him. The airplane wheels were not chocked and the pilot was having difficulties starting the engine. The witness was in the hangar when he heard the airplane start at a high rpm, so he quickly stepped outside. The witness reported the airplane had broken the rope and was taxiing around in circles while the pilot attempted to stop the airplane. The witness joined the pilot in trying to stop the airplane; however, the propeller struck the pilot, knocking him down. The airplane eventually came to stop further down the runway. The vintage airplane was not equipped with an electrical system or an electric starter.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 EDT
Nearest AirportWynkoop Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 65 CA NO Series
Tail NumberN33778
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 fatality)
Fatal1
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 79 · None · Fatal

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time17:37
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data