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NTSB Report

February 27, 2024 · Piper PA-18A 150 · N518SW

Dallesport, WA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 2024
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Dallesport, WA
Aircraft
Piper PA-18A 150 (1955)
Tail Number
N518SW
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
WPR24LA099

The pilot stated that he was preparing to fly the airplane with a new propeller that had been recently installed. During a few recent experiences, the propeller would get stuck at top dead center and would only turn normally after multiple start attempts. On the day of the accident, the propeller was stuck at top dead center again after an unsuccessful attempt to start the engine. The pilot walked to the front of the airplane and stood on one of the floats to reposition the propeller, at which time the engine started up immediately and the pilot was struck by one of the propeller blades. According to the airport manager who arrived several minutes after the accident, he observed the ignition switch in the ON position. The pilot further remarked that he must have forgotten to turn off the magnetos before he moved the propeller. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to disengage the ignition prior to moving the propeller by hand resulting in the inadvertent starting of the engine.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that he was preparing to fly the airplane with a new propeller that had been recently installed. During a few recent experiences, the propeller would get stuck at top dead center and would only turn normally after multiple start attempts. On the day of the accident, the propeller was stuck at top dead center again after an unsuccessful attempt to start the engine. The pilot walked to the front of the airplane and stood on one of the floats to reposition the propeller, at which time the engine started up immediately and the pilot was struck by one of the propeller blades. According to the airport manager who arrived several minutes after the accident, he observed the ignition switch in the ON position. The pilot further remarked that he must have forgotten to turn off the magnetos before he moved the propeller. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PST
Nearest AirportColumbia Gorge Rgnl/The Dalles (0.1nm SE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-18A 150
Tail NumberN518SW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C4P · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingOvercast 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point43 F / 30 F
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data