Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper starting procedures.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported he was attempting to start the airplane's engine preparatory for flight by hand propping. The engine started and the airplane accelerated forward, breaking the tail tie down rope. The airplane continued forward and collided with another, unoccupied CESSNA 172, n8601b.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 25, 1993, about 1330 central daylight time, a Cessna 172 airplane, N1670Y, sustained substantial damage when it collided with a parked and unattended airplane at St. Cloud Municipal Airport, St. Cloud, Minnesota. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the intended personal flight. The pilot reported he was attempting to start the airplane's engine preparatory for flight by hand propping. The engine started and the airplane accelerated forward, breaking the tail tie down rope. The airplane continued forward and collided with another, unoccupied Cessna 172, N8601B. -