Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper procedures and his complacency during his attempts to start the engine.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After a failed attempt to start the engine, the pilot exited the airplane leaving the magnetos on and the brakes off. He hand turned the propeller, the engine started and the propeller struck the pilot's head.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 15, 1993, about 1029 eastern daylight time, N20718, a Cessna 182-P registered to Skyhawk Flying Club Inc. was involved in an accident on the ground at Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando, Florida. The flight was to be a 14 CFR 91 personal flight to Atlanta, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed. The pilot received fatal injuries and the passenger was not injured. The airplane sustained minor damage. The flight was originating at the time. The passenger, the wife of the pilot, stated the pilot attempted to start the engine and noted the propeller turned slowly. He told his wife that he was going to hand turn the propeller through a couple of times. He exited the airplane, left the parking brake off, the ignition on, and the throttle open. He turned the propeller through and the engine started and struck his head. The airplane began to taxi and the passenger turned the ignition switch off and used the brakes to stop the airplane. -