Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to follow proper starting procedures, and an inadequate tie-down.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot 'wrapped' a tie-down chain around the tailwheel shaft prior to hand-propping the airplane. The 'rpm was too high' when the engine started and the airplane came loose from the tie-down and collided with a parked airplane.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 1, 1996, at 1215 central daylight time, a Champion 7AC, N351T, registered to a private owner, collided with a parked airplane after it was hand propped by the pilot and came loose from its tie down at Grider Field, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and the intended destination was Benton, Arkansas. The pilot reported that he "wrapped [a] tiedown chain around [the] tailwheel shaft" prior to hand propping the airplane. The "rpm was too high" when the engine started and the airplane came loose from the tie down and struck a parked Cessna 152, N6127P. There was substantial damage to the empennage and right wing of the Cessna. The Champion sustained damage to the right wing, propeller, and windshield. -