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October 29, 2022 · Stephen J Hoffman MS-500 · N778MS

Houston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Stephen J Hoffman MS-500 (2018)
Tail Number
N778MS
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA023

The pilot reported that he was preparing for a display flight in a local airshow which included a preflight procedure to rotate the engine prior to start for lubrication purposes. During the procedure, the electric starter motor struggled to rotate the engine due to viscous oil because of cooler overnight temperatures, and the main circuit breaker had tripped. The pilot turned off all cockpit switches, but forgot to turn off the magneto switch, and exited the airplane. The pilot then utilized a hand crank to rotate the engine, and the engine unexpectedly started. The wheel chocks had been previously removed in preparation for the planned flight, and the airplane began to move. Several ground personnel attempted to stop the airplane but were unsuccessful before the airplane impacted two parked airplanes. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the elevator. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to secure the magneto switch before attempting to hand rotate the engine which resulted in an inadvertent engine start, a runaway airplane, and subsequent impact with parked airplanes. Contributing to the accident was the failure to properly secure the airplane with chocks.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was preparing for a display flight in a local airshow which included a preflight procedure to rotate the engine prior to start for lubrication purposes. During the procedure, the electric starter motor struggled to rotate the engine due to viscous oil because of cooler overnight temperatures, and the main circuit breaker had tripped. The pilot turned off all cockpit switches, but forgot to turn off the magneto switch, and exited the airplane. The pilot then utilized a hand crank to rotate the engine, and the engine unexpectedly started. The wheel chocks had been previously removed in preparation for the planned flight, and the airplane began to move. Several ground personnel attempted to stop the airplane but were unsuccessful before the airplane impacted two parked airplanes. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the elevator. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:40 CDT
Nearest AirportEllington (0nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftStephen J Hoffman MS-500
Tail NumberN778MS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsArgus Motoren · AS-10C · Reciprocating · 240
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 66 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 54 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time12:54

Appendix: Source Data