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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 15, 2020 · Vans RV8 A · N7736T

Columbus, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 15, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Columbus, MS
Aircraft
Vans RV8 A
Tail Number
N7736T
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN20CA087

The pilot reported that he conducted the preflight and that, during the start sequence, the engine's starter would not engage. He turned off the switches, set the parking brake, and exited the cockpit. He rotated the engine by turning the propeller slowly by hand so that the starter would engage. The engine started unexpectedly, and the airplane moved forward. The airplane impacted a hangar and an electrical transformer box, and a postimpact fire ensured, which consumed the airplane and prevented examination of the cockpit, brakes, or electrical system.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadvertent engine start of the unoccupied airplane, which resulted in it moving forward and impacting a hangar and an electrical box.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he planned a flight in a single-engine airplane. He conducted the pre-flight and then during the start sequence, the engine's starter would not engage. He turned off the switches, set the parking brake, and exited the cockpit. He rotated the engine by turning the propeller slowly by hand, so the starter would engage. The engine started unexpectedly, and the airplane moved forward. The airplane collided with a hangar and an electrical transformer box, and a post-impact fire ensued. The airplane was consumed by the fire, which prevented any examination of the cockpit, brakes, or electrical system. The accident is consistent with an inadvertent engine start when the pilot rotated the propeller.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 CST
Nearest AirportColumbus-Lowndes County (0nm)
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV8 A
Tail NumberN7736T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point28 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.44 inHg
Observation Time12:56
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data