Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate engine hand propping procedure which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement and subsequent impact with a fueling station.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that, after refueling his airplane, that was chocked, with the parking brake set, he attempted to hand prop the engine. After the engine started and while he was walking around the back of the airplane, the engine’s rpm began to increase, and the airplane began to pivot about 90° on the left wheel. When the airplane bypassed the wheel chock, it then rolled towards a fuel station. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted the fuel station, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that after refueling his airplane, that was chocked, with the parking brake set, he attempted to hand prop the engine. After the engine started and while he was walking around the back of the airplane, the engine’s rpm began to increase, and the airplane began to pivot about 90° on the left wheel. When the airplane bypassed the wheel chock, it then rolled towards a fuel station. Shortly thereafter, the airplane impacted the fuel station, which resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing strut. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The Federal Aviation Administration's Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3A, contains a section under the Ground Operations chapter titled "Hand Propping" which states in part: “It is critical that the procedure is never attempted alone. Hand propping should only be attempted when two properly trained people, both familiar and experienced with the airplane hand propping techniques, are available to perform the procedure.’