Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to properly secure the airplane before hand propping it, which resulted in the unmanned airplane moving and colliding with a fence.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, before attempting to take off, he tied a rope to the airplane's tail and then hand propped the airplane. The engine started, and "the rope snapped." Subsequently, the unmanned airplane started moving and then impacted a fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot in tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, he tied a rope to the tail of his airplane and hand-propped the airplane. The engine started and "the rope snapped." Subsequently, the unmanned airplane collided with a chain-link fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right aileron. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.