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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 29, 2021 · Luscombe 8A · N28461

Port Townsend, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 29, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Port Townsend, WA
Aircraft
Luscombe 8A (1940)
Tail Number
N28461
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR21LA149

The pilot reported that, after refueling his airplane, that was chocked, with the parking brake set, he attempted to hand prop the engine. After the engine started and while he was walking around the back of the airplane, the engine’s rpm began to increase, and the airplane began to pivot about 90° on the left wheel. When the airplane bypassed the wheel chock, it then rolled towards a fuel station. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted the fuel station, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inadequate engine hand propping procedure which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement and subsequent impact with a fueling station.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after refueling his airplane, that was chocked, with the parking brake set, he attempted to hand prop the engine. After the engine started and while he was walking around the back of the airplane, the engine’s rpm began to increase, and the airplane began to pivot about 90° on the left wheel. When the airplane bypassed the wheel chock, it then rolled towards a fuel station. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted the fuel station, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3A, contains a section under the Ground Operations chapter titled "Hand Propping" which states in part: “It is critical that the procedure is never attempted alone. Hand propping should only be attempted when two properly trained people, both familiar and experienced with the airplane hand propping techniques, are available to perform the procedure.’

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:00 PDT
Nearest AirportJefferson County Intl (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLuscombe 8A
Tail NumberN28461
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 52 · Basc · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 F / 27 F
Altimeter30.35 inHg
Observation Time11:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data