Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to use tie downs and proper assistance during the hand propping engine start.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Due to a dead battery, the pilot attempted to start the airplane by hand propping the engine while his 14-year-old grandson operated the throttle standing outside the right door of the airplane. The engine started running at about 1,400 rpm when the pilot's grandson fell down. The unattended airplane moved across the transient ramp striking three parked airplanes. The airplane was neither tied down or chocked prior to the attempted start. The pilot made no attempt to request assistance from any of the many pilots that were present at the airport restaurant and lounge.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 8, 1994, at 1225 central daylight time, a Cessna 140, N111NZ, was substantially damaged while taxiing at the Lancaster Airport, near Lancaster, Texas. The airline transport rated pilot was not injured, while his passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot attempted to start the airplane by hand propping the engine. The airplane was equipped with an electric starter; however, the pilot found that the battery was dead when he attempted to start the engine on the first flight of the day. The pilot's 14 year old grandson stood outside the right door of the airplane with his hand on the throttle. According to the pilot, the engine started running at about 1,400 RPM, his grandson apparently fell down and the unattended airplane moved across the transient ramp striking three parked airplanes, causing substantial damage to two, and minor damage to the third. The pilot stated that he managed to get into the left door, but was unable to stop the airplane. The pilot's grandson was struck in the back by the right horizontal stabilizer. According to witnesses at the airport, the airplane was neither chocked or tied down. Additionally, the FAA inspector stated that no request for assistance was made by the pilot to any of the many pilots that were present at the airport restaurant and lounge. -