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December 12, 2024 · Wolstenholme Dennis Pietenpol AIR Camper · N161DW

Tullahoma, TN

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 12, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Tullahoma, TN
Aircraft
Wolstenholme Dennis Pietenpol AIR Camper (1993)
Tail Number
N161DW
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA077

The pilot had just finished fueling the airplane and was trying to start the engine. After several failed attempts to start the engine with the electric starter, the pilot decided to “hand prop” the engine. The pilot subsequently placed standard, low-profile general aviation wheel chocks under the wheels, but did not tie down or otherwise secure the airplane. Additionally, the pilot did not secure anyone to assist him and there was no qualified pilot seated in the airplane during his attempt to start the engine. As soon as the engine started, and the airplane’s wheels rolled over the chocks, the airplane taxied into a closed hangar door, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings, and damaging the hangar doors. Following the accident, the pilot stated that he had not previously received any formal training for hand propping an airplane, but that a mechanic had shown him how to do it. He was not aware of recommended precautions like having a qualified and trained pilot at the controls or tying the airplane down.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to adequately secure the airplane before hand-propping the engine. Contributing was the pilot’s lack of training in hand-propping procedures.

Full Narrative

The pilot had just finished fueling the airplane and was trying to start the engine. After several failed attempts to start the engine with the electric starter, the pilot decided to “hand prop” the engine. The pilot subsequently placed standard, low-profile general aviation wheel chocks under the wheels, but did not tie down or otherwise secure the airplane. Additionally, the pilot did not secure anyone to assist him and there was no qualified pilot seated in the airplane during his attempt to start the engine. As soon as the engine started, and the airplane’s wheels rolled over the chocks, and the airplane taxied into a closed hangar door, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings, and damaging the hangar doors. Following the accident, the pilot stated that he had not previously received any formal training for hand propping an airplane, but that a mechanic had shown him how to do it. He was not aware of recommended precautions like having a qualified and trained pilot at the controls or tying the airplane down.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 CST
Nearest AirportTullahoma Rgnl/Wm Northern Fld (0nm E)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWolstenholme Dennis Pietenpol AIR Camper
Tail NumberN161DW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · C-85-12-F · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 20 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point43 F / 19 F
Altimeter30.44 inHg
Observation Time11:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data